WASHINGTON — Amid Donald Trump’s controversial selections for his cabinet as he prepares for his second term in office, Linda M. McMahon, his nominee for U.S. secretary of education, faces serious allegations from her past tenure as CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment. The lawsuit, filed recently, asserts McMahon failed to stop the sexual abuse of teen workers decades ago, raising concerns about her suitability for a role that involves safeguarding children’s rights within the sphere of education.
Linda M. McMahon, along with her husband Vince McMahon, is accused of allowing a ringside announcer for WWE, who reportedly abused young workers, to keep his job. The lawsuit emerged from claims that date back over 30 years and was filed in October, before Trump’s election win, in a Maryland state court. The legal fallout underscores a broader debate over Trump’s cabinet choices, particularly those engulfed by allegations relating to their prior conduct.
Some critics argue that the accusations against McMahon should automatically disqualify her from overseeing national education policies and student civil rights. Gaylynn Burroughs, vice president for education and workplace justice at the National Women’s Law Center, stresses the grave nature of the allegations, especially considering the victims were children.
On the other side, defenders of McMahon point to the previous vetting she underwent during her 2017 confirmation as head of the Small Business Administration. Frederick M. Hess, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, noted that these allegations never surfaced during her SBA confirmation process, which questions their timing and relevance now.
The spotlight on McMahon coincides with scrutiny faced by other Trump appointees over various allegations. McMahon had served as the CEO of WWE, a role she relinquished in 2009 to pursue political ambitions, including two unsuccessful Senate bids. During her tenure, WWE achieved notable financial success but was also embroiled in scandals related to steroid use, employment practices, and investigations into sexual misconduct by high-profile personnel, including Vince McMahon who stepped down amid such allegations. The couple is currently separated, confirmed by their attorney.
The lawsuit specifically targets both Linda and Vince McMahon, WWE, and its parent company, alleging they turned a blind eye to the misconduct under their watch. The complaint centers around Melvin Phillips Jr., a former WWE ring announcer accused of hiring young boys, ostensibly for running errands, but with the ulterior motive of sexual abuse. The lawsuit alleges McMahon’s role was complicit, actively trying to dampen the impact of these scandals on WWE.
The legal action was made possible by a 2023 Maryland law removing the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims. Plaintiffs, identified only as John Does, seek damages exceeding $30,000 each.
Other nominees of Trump have faced similar, and sometimes unrelated, sexual misconduct allegations — a pattern that has raised concern among critics about the character assessments and vetting processes of his administration picks. Kathleen Dolan, a political science professor, commented on the nature of Trump’s nominations, suggesting a deliberate provocation or disregard for established norms.
Connecticut’s senators, historically supportive of McMahon’s political aspirations, expressed reservations about her new nomination. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who previously endorsed McMahon for the Small Business Administration, cited Trump’s intention to dismantle the Department of Education as a significant concern rather than the new allegations directly.
As discussions and hearings loom, Burroughs emphasizes the importance of thoroughly addressing these serious claims to safeguard the integrity of the nation’s educational leadership.
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