In brief
In an effort to reshape his administration, Donald Trump has appointed former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as education secretary and celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
President-elect Donald Trump has made headlines with the selection of high-profile allies for pivotal cabinet roles as he prepares to assume office for a second time in January 2025. Linda McMahon, the former Chief Executive Officer of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and Trump's transition co-chair, has been nominated for the position of education secretary. McMahon, a long-time supporter of Trump, has previously led the Small Business Administration during his first term and contributed millions to his campaign efforts.The selection comes as Trump has been vocal about his intent to dissolve the Department of Education, a task that McMahon could be instrumental in fulfilling. On the same day, Trump tapped Mehmet Oz, a renowned television personality and doctor, to oversee the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). McMahon’s connection to Trump dates back decades; she co-founded Titan Sports, the parent company of WWE, and has been a frequent figure in Trump's orbit. Despite her lack of direct experience in education, she served on Connecticut's board of education from 2009 to 2010 and chairs the America First Policy Institute, a pro-Trump think tank. Trump announced her nomination on social media, emphasizing her advocacy for parents’ rights and education being returned to the states—a priority for many Republicans.On the other hand, Dr. Oz, who gained fame through his appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, will now be at the helm of an agency that manages health care for over 150 million Americans. Trump described Oz as uniquely qualified to improve the nation's health, despite prior controversies surrounding the doctor's medical advice, including past endorsements of unproven remedies.Both McMahon and Oz are expected to undergo Senate confirmation, where their nominations will be closely scrutinized. The appointments are seen as part of Trump's broader strategy to surround himself with loyal supporters, each facing a unique set of challenges as they step into their new roles. McMahon's recent involvement in a lawsuit concerning the WWE has also raised questions about her suitability for office, although she and WWE deny the allegations.As Trump reconfigures his administration, both individuals will play a crucial role in shaping policies that could have lasting impacts on education and health care in America, marking the beginning of a comeback for the former president on the national stage.
