Education is the foundation of success, freedom and the American Dream. It holds the key to a prosperous, stronger nation. I have always passionately advocated for these principles because an educated society is a strong, prosperous society — one less likely to fall for “victim mentalities” or threats from our adversaries.
That is why I proudly support President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Linda McMahon as the next secretary of Education. She is a talented leader who has proven herself in both the private sector and public service to create real educational opportunities for everyone regardless of their background.
I remember when America had the best, most respected education system in the world. That is not the case anymore. Decades of mismanagement, incompetence and waste have left our schools broken and outdated, failing to prepare students for today’s fast-paced workforce. Linda McMahon gets it — she knows what it takes to empower families and fix our failing school system.
I have mentioned this before — education isn’t just about opportunity, it’s about national security. A weak workforce puts America at risk. As secretary of Education, Linda McMahon will expand school choice, restore our K-12 educational system and prioritize merit-based apprenticeship and scholarship programs. She will put an end to the toxic, “woke” DEI policies that have destroyed our schools and wasted millions of taxpayer dollars in the process while basic math and reading test scores plummet.
As the co-founder of WWE and former Administrator of the Small Business Administration, Linda McMahon did not just talk about creating opportunities — she made them happen. Her leadership turned WWE into a global powerhouse, giving young talent a platform to succeed while building one of the most influential businesses in sports entertainment. At the SBA, she helped small businesses across America thrive by cutting red tape and promoting job growth.
Linda McMahon and I also share a passion for nonprofits and their role in bridging gaps the public system often misses. Her work with the Close Up Foundation and my Second Chance 4 Youth program focus on giving young people real tools for success — mentorship, hands-on training and a clear path to opportunity. As secretary of Education, she will connect these ideas with national reforms to help students thrive in school, work and life.
As someone who grew up in the segregated South, I know the power of opportunity and hard work to change lives. From earning a football scholarship to winning a Super Bowl and serving in Congress, my success started with access to education and the chance to succeed. This kind of success is only possible in America, where the path to achieving your dreams is open to everyone.
On the House Education and Workforce Committee, I have worked to modernize the Higher Education Act, and expand career and technical education so students can gain the real-world skills needed for today’s job market. I introduced the One Door to Work Act to streamline job training and help more people succeed in the workforce. Like Linda McMahon, I know not every student needs a four-year degree — many thrive with hands-on training and practical opportunities.
Her success at the America First Policy Institute proves her dedication to school choice and educational freedom. Under her leadership, Universal School Choice became a reality in 12 states — opening multiple pathways for parents not bureaucrats to decide what is best for their children’s education. That is the kind of leadership we need at the national level.
Linda McMahon and I share the same belief: Education isn’t just about learning facts in a classroom, it is about creating pathways to self-reliance by presenting the next generation of leaders with the tools they need to succeed. Whether it is small business leadership or opening doors through school choice, Linda McMahon has a proven track record of empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
Our schools need to be centers of learning and opportunity, not breeding grounds for anti-American ideology, antisemitism or critical race theory. Divisive ideas have no place in our classrooms. Instead, we need leaders who will focus on the basics: strong academics, real-world skills, and respect for the values that make this country great. My Education Playbook offers a blueprint for this vision, and I know Linda McMahon will work alongside President Trump to bring it to life.
Secretary McMahon has a nice ring to it — she has the vision and proven leadership to get our education system back on track. With her at the helm, we can empower parents, equip students with real opportunities and build a stronger, merit-based future for America.
Burgess Owens is a former NFL Super Bowl champion, bestselling author, and U.S. congressman dedicated to education reform, opportunity and empowering the next generation. Linda McMahon is the chairman of the Daily Caller News Foundation’s Advisory Council.
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