US President-elect Donald Trump has announced Linda McMahon, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), as his pick for education secretary. McMahon, a loyal Trump ally who previously served as the head of the Small Business Administration during his first presidency, is poised to lead efforts to reform the US education system. Alongside her, Mehmet Oz, a celebrity doctor and former TV host, has been nominated to oversee the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Linda McMahon’s Role as Education Secretary

McMahon, a long-time supporter of Trump, has been vocal about her commitment to the administration’s goals. During Trump’s first term, she played a key role in supporting small businesses and contributed significantly to his campaigns. Her new role as education secretary aligns with Trump’s promise to dismantle the Department of Education and return control of educational policy to individual states.

Trump announced the nomination on Truth Social, emphasizing McMahon’s advocacy for parental rights and her dedication to reducing federal involvement in education. “Linda will spearhead the effort to send education back to the states,” Trump stated, underscoring his administration’s commitment to curtailing what he calls “woke” policies on issues such as gender and race in schools.

Although McMahon has little formal experience in education, she served briefly on Connecticut’s state board of education. Her confirmation in the Republican-majority Senate is expected to proceed smoothly.

Controversies Surrounding McMahon

McMahon’s tenure with WWE has not been without controversy. A recent lawsuit alleges that McMahon and her husband knowingly failed to prevent the abuse of young boys by a WWE announcer. Both McMahon and her legal team have denied the allegations, calling them baseless and defamatory.

Despite these claims, McMahon remains a prominent figure in Trump’s political orbit, serving as the chair of the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute. This leadership role highlights her alignment with the administration’s vision and reinforces her suitability for the education secretary position.

Mehmet Oz to Oversee Medicare and Medicaid

In a separate announcement, Trump selected Mehmet Oz to head the CMS, the federal agency responsible for managing Medicare and Medicaid programs that serve over 150 million Americans. Oz, a trained cardiothoracic surgeon turned celebrity doctor, gained fame for his appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and his own program, The Dr. Oz Show.

Trump praised Oz’s credentials, stating that “there may be no physician more qualified and capable than Dr. Oz to make America healthy again.” As head of CMS, Oz will collaborate with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee for health and human services secretary, to tackle systemic inefficiencies in the healthcare system.

Oz’s Healthcare Vision and Controversies

Oz faces the challenge of managing the country’s largest healthcare programs, which cost the government $1.4 trillion in 2023. Trump has tasked him with cutting waste, fraud, and inefficiency while expanding access to healthcare and lowering prescription drug costs.

However, Oz’s medical advice has often been the subject of scrutiny. He has been criticized for promoting unproven treatments and “miracle” weight loss cures. In 2014, he faced a Senate hearing where he defended his endorsements, stating he never directly sold dietary supplements on his show. Critics argue that his promotion of alternative medicine has blurred the line between legitimate healthcare advice and pseudoscience.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Oz advocated for the use of anti-malaria drugs like hydroxychloroquine as potential treatments, despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.

A Cabinet Defined by Loyalty

McMahon and Oz join a roster of cabinet nominees who have shown steadfast loyalty to Trump. Other appointees include Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary and several high-profile names across defense, health, and energy sectors. The president-elect’s selections underscore his preference for allies who share his vision and have a proven track record of support.

Implications for Policy and Governance

Trump’s picks signal a shift toward decentralization in education and a potential overhaul of healthcare policy. By nominating figures like McMahon and Oz, the administration aims to challenge traditional approaches while reinforcing its commitment to the values of the America First movement.

While McMahon’s task will focus on reducing federal influence in education, Oz will need to navigate the complexities of the US healthcare system, balancing cost reduction with expanded access. Both appointees bring unique experiences to their roles, albeit with challenges stemming from their controversial pasts.

Looking Ahead

As Trump prepares to assume office in January 2025, his cabinet selections are expected to shape the administration’s approach to governance. McMahon’s role in dismantling the Department of Education and Oz’s leadership of CMS will be closely watched as indicators of Trump’s broader policy agenda.

Their confirmations will likely set the tone for Trump’s second term, reflecting his commitment to reshaping key institutions while prioritizing loyalty and alignment with his vision. However, their ability to overcome controversies and deliver meaningful reforms remains to be seen.