In brief
In a series of appointments indicating a strong reliance on loyalty, President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former WWE CEO Linda McMahon as his nominee for education secretary, and celebrity doctor Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Both selections, announced on Truth Social, emphasize Trump’s commitment to appointing trusted allies to high-level positions.
McMahon, a long-standing supporter of Trump who previously led the Small Business Administration, is expected to play a vital role in Trump's proposed efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. Trump's criticism of the agency has revolved around allegations of promoting "woke" ideologies. McMahon has limited experience in education but has been active in pro-Trump initiatives, suggesting strong Senate support for her confirmation.On the healthcare front, Dr. Oz, who gained fame as a television personality and surgeon, will be tasked with overseeing the CMS, which plays a critical role in managing healthcare programs for millions of Americans. Critics have raised concerns about Oz's past health advice and his promotion of unproven treatments, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both McMahon and Oz, once confirmed by the Senate, will be pivotal in shaping the policies of their respective departments, in line with Trump’s broader agenda of promoting state control in education and transparency in healthcare.
