How Linda McMahon’s Appointment Impacts You | Global News Avenue

Incoming President Donald Trump’s appointment of Linda McMahon as U.S. Secretary of Education has set off alarm bells in higher education around the world, and not without good reason. McMahon, the former administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), also has a long and storied history in professional wrestling. However, she does not appear to have meaningful experience in the student loan industry.

Her stance on federal loan repayment plan options, student loan forgiveness and countless other higher education topics are also largely unknown because she has yet to publicly address them. That leaves many borrowers wondering what will happen to student loans once McMahon takes the reins of the Department of Education in 2025.

Who is Linda McMahon?

Linda McMahon serves as the 25th Chief Executive of the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) during Trump’s first term. She is also the co-founder and former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), a publicly traded company in the professional wrestling industry. Her husband, Vince McMahon, is also the co-founder and co-founder of WWE CEO before resigning from the position in 2022 due to legal issues.

An East Carolina University graduate, McMahon ran for Connecticut’s U.S. Senate in 2010 and 2012. McMahon currently holds a leadership position at the Institute for American Priorities, a right-leaning think tank that encourages “America First” policies.

Although McMahon does not appear to have specific expertise or experience in this area student loans In industry, she did serve briefly on a state committee in Connecticut that set school policy. She also serves as a trustee of Sacred Heart University, a private Catholic school in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Is there a student loan program for Linda McMahon?

Here’s what conservative business leaders have to say when it comes to student loan policy under McMahon Haven’t said it yet That worries borrowers. Most of her public statements about education so far have been fairly general, including her posts on social media platform X. McMahon, for example, tweeted about making America’s education system “great again” and “reforming the Department of Education and empowering students and students.” Parents Across America,” but the comments were not accompanied by any specific details.

It remains to be seen whether McMahon will support or encourage the recently proposed student loan legislation college cost reduction actwhich will end interest capitalization student loans and stop Origination feeand other changes. McMahon has also not publicly shared her views on the Commonwealth. student loan forgiveness program,include Saving Valued Education (SAVE) Program The plan is currently on hold pending a court ruling on its legality.

While no one knows what will happen to federal student loans under McMahon, one concern is Student Loan Repayment Strategiesinclude Income Driven Repayment (IDR) Planwill change in the coming years. It is also possible that the new administration will cancel some of the debt relief programs currently available, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Trump could even call on McMahon to help disband the Department of Education, one of his stated goals.

bottom line

While President Trump’s appointment of McMahon as education secretary has not been without controversy, that doesn’t necessarily mean major reforms to the federal student loan industry are guaranteed. In fact, we don’t yet know her views on some of the most pressing student loan issues or what her plans are for student loan forgiveness and the availability of IDR programs.

So all a borrower can really do at this point is hope for the best and prepare for the worst. For most federal student loan borrowers, keeping up with debt payments, staying informed about potential changes, and working to pay off your debt remains the best course of action.