Linda McMahon Senate Hearing Over Education Funding

Linda McMahon, former WWE executive and wife of wrestling legend Triple H’s father-in-law, found herself under intense scrutiny during her Senate confirmation hearing for education secretary. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) pressed McMahon on whether she would follow congressional funding directives or adhere to potential instructions from President Donald Trump and efficiency czar Elon Musk.

“When Congress appropriates money, it is the administration’s responsibility to put that out as directed by Congress, who has the power of the purse,” Murray stated. “So what will you do if the president or Elon Musk tells you not to spend money Congress has appropriated to you?”

McMahon, who once led the Small Business Administration under Trump, responded cautiously, acknowledging congressional authority but expressing the need to evaluate expenditures before disbursing funds. “We will certainly expend those dollars that Congress has passed,” McMahon replied, “but I do think it is worthwhile to take a look at the programs before money goes out the door. It is much easier to stop the money as it’s going out the door than it is to claw it back.”

McMahon’s Limited Background in Education

Best known for her tenure as CEO of WWE alongside Vince McMahon and her association with Triple H, McMahon has little experience in education policy, having briefly served on Connecticut’s State Board of Education. Nevertheless, Trump has tapped her to lead the Department of Education, a department his administration has vowed to dismantle.

With Elon Musk heading the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, federal agencies face an aggressive audit for potential funding cuts. The administration’s stance on impoundment—refusing to spend congressionally approved funds—has sparked controversy, with legal experts cautioning against executive overreach.

Confirmation Challenges in Wrestling

Critics contend that McMahon’s economic savvy in the WWE ring does not translate to leadership in federal education as her nomination process moves forward. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) described the hearing as “a very elegant gaslighting,” while other senators characterized her answers as evasive.

Despite his reservations, McMahon still supports Trump, having previously donated millions to his campaigns. As her nomination moves forward, it remains unclear if she would support the administration’s cost-cutting initiatives or adhere to statutory financial restrictions.

Will McMahon adhere to the script or the rules?

McMahon’s next course of action during the Senate’s deliberations will decide whether she adheres to the regulations governing government financing or adopts a strategy more reminiscent of her WWE days. If approved, her leadership might signal a significant change in federal education policy as the Trump administration seeks to restructure the Department of Education.

Source: PBS News