President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon to lead the U.S. Department of Education (ED), solidifying her position as a key figure in his transition team. The announcement, made Tuesday evening, followed McMahon’s reported consideration for the role of Commerce Secretary, a position that went to Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick earlier in the day.

McMahon, a prominent Republican donor and former head of the Small Business Administration (SBA), brings experience from both the private and public sectors. During her tenure as SBA administrator from 2017 to 2019, she focused on promoting small business growth before stepping down to lead America First Action, a super PAC supporting conservative agendas.

The nomination reflects Trump’s intent to overhaul federal education policy, a central theme of his campaign. While he has called for abolishing ED, such a move would require congressional approval, which remains a significant hurdle. McMahon may instead prioritize reducing federal involvement in education, shifting control to states while maintaining federal funding with fewer restrictions.

One area of potential focus is Title IX, with Trump pledging to reverse changes made under the Biden administration. These include expanded protections for LGBTQIA+ students, particularly regarding transgender athletes’ participation in school sports, an issue Trump highlighted during his campaign.

McMahon is also known for her tenure as CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, where she and her husband, Vince McMahon, grew the company into a publicly traded enterprise. However, her lack of a direct background in education policy is likely to draw scrutiny, with critics questioning how her business and political experience align with the role’s demands.

If confirmed, McMahon will face the challenge of navigating contentious debates over the future of federal education programs and the broader role of the Department of Education in the U.S. educational system.