Transition of Power
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Linda McMahon, known for her role in managing World Wrestling Entertainment, has been criticized for her lack of qualifications for key positions in education due to concerns about the impact of her wrestling empire on children. Despite this, President Trump appointed her to a position in education.
Written by Stephanie Saul, Zach Montague, and Sharon Otterman.
Typically, nominees for the State Board of Education in Connecticut easily pass through the confirmation process in the House of Representatives. However, in 2009, Linda E. McMahon faced strong opposition during her appointment process.
When Andrew Fleischmann was the chair of the House Education Committee, he recalls feeling insulted by her appointment and spearheading the resistance against it.
In a recent interview, Mr. Fleischmann, a Democrat, stated that she had no connection to education. He emphasized that she earned millions of dollars promoting violence and sexualization of young women, which had a negative impact on children in the country.
Critics called out Ms. McMahon’s company, World Wrestling Entertainment, for promoting violence, steroid use, and sexualized content. During the early 2000s, Ms. McMahon even participated in the dramatic performances of the W.W.E. She was seen kicking her husband, Vince McMahon, who co-founded the company, in the groin in one act. In another scene, she seemed to slap her daughter, Stephanie, causing her to fall to the ground.
Following a heated discussion on the floor, the House voted to confirm Ms. McMahon with a vote of 96-45, which was an unexpected division for a small appointment in Connecticut.
Ms. McMahon is likely to undergo a confirmation process again, this time as the nominee chosen by President-elect Donald J. Trump for the role of Secretary of Education.
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