Trump Appoints Linda McMahon and Mehmet Oz to High-Profile Roles

US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and a long-time ally, as his pick for education secretary. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity doctor and former TV host, has been chosen to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

McMahon, who led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term, is known for her close ties to the president-elect. She has limited experience in education but has served on Connecticut’s state board of education and currently chairs the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute. Trump has tasked her with advancing his controversial plan to dismantle the Department of Education and return educational oversight to the states.

On Truth Social, Trump praised McMahon, highlighting her advocacy for parental rights and her commitment to decentralizing federal control over education. With a Republican-majority Senate, her confirmation is expected to proceed smoothly.

Dr. Oz’s appointment to CMS marks another headline-grabbing selection. Known for his television career and health advice, Oz’s approach has faced scrutiny from medical professionals in the past. His role will involve overseeing critical federal healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, which serve millions of Americans.

Trump also announced Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, as his pick for commerce secretary, underscoring a pattern of selecting loyal allies and high-profile figures for his administration.