Olivia Asher is a reporter at the New Herald Tribune covering breaking news for the Digital Trends Desk. Before joining the newsroom in 2022, she covered criminal justice issues at the Orlando Plain Dealer.
February 13 , 2025
Washington, D.C. – Linda McMahon, nominee for Secretary of Education, faced a contentious confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on Thursday, where discussions veered unexpectedly into the realm of professional wrestling. The hearing, intended to assess McMahon's qualifications to lead the Department of Education, saw senators questioning her on President Trump's plans to potentially dismantle the agency, her stance on education policies, and her vision for improving student performance.
However, the atmosphere intensified when Senatorial inquiries shifted to McMahon's decades-long involvement with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), a company co-founded with her spouse, Vince McMahon. Amidst concerns about her suitability for the role, particularly regarding child safety and Title IX protections, McMahon was directly asked about the authenticity of professional wrestling.
"Is it not true that professional wrestling is staged, that the outcomes are predetermined?" Senator Davis of Iowa asked. McMahon, visibly animated, firmly countered this assertion. "With all due respect, Senator, I must insist that professional wrestling is not fake," McMahon stated. "The athleticism, the dedication, the physical toll these performers endure is very real. While the storylines may be crafted, the pain is authentic."
The exchange drew reactions from those present, including Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Shane McMahon, who were in attendance to support Linda McMahon.
Senator Baldwin brought up the lawsuit filed against WWE, Vince McMahon, Linda McMahon, and TKO on behalf of "Ring Boys," who survived sexual abuse. Still, McMahon was not asked any questions directly about the ongoing lawsuit.
Despite the heated debate over wrestling's legitimacy, the hearing also covered key education issues. McMahon addressed concerns about Trump's intentions to diminish or eliminate the Department of Education, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring every student has access to a quality education. She outlined her priorities, including school choice and addressing cultural matters related to gender, race, sexuality, and antisemitism.
The committee also questioned McMahon about her views on privatizing public education, increasing teacher salaries, and potential cuts to programs in underprivileged schools. Senator Sanders, the committee's ranking member, focused his questions on McMahon's stance on these critical issues.
As the hearing concluded, it remained unclear whether McMahon had secured the necessary support for her confirmation. The unusual focus on professional wrestling, however, left a lasting impression, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the proceedings and the challenges facing McMahon as she seeks to lead an agency with an uncertain future.
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