US President-elect Donald Trump has selected former WWE CEO Linda McMahon and TV’s Dr. Mehmet Oz for top roles in his upcoming administration. McMahon, a long-time ally of Trump, is set to be nominated for education secretary, while Oz, the celebrity doctor known for his TV appearances, has been chosen to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Trump Picks Former WWE CEO and TV’s Dr Oz for Top Roles
US President-elect Donald Trump has selected former WWE CEO Linda McMahon and celebrity doctor Dr. Mehmet Oz for prominent roles in his upcoming administration. McMahon, a long-time ally of Trump, has been nominated for the position of education secretary, while Oz has been tapped to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Both selections reflect Trump’s pattern of appointing loyal supporters to top government roles ahead of his 2025 inauguration.
McMahon’s Nomination for Education Secretary
Linda McMahon’s nomination to lead the Department of Education comes after a successful tenure as the head of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first presidency. Despite lacking a background in education, McMahon has advocated for parental rights and state control over education. She is expected to work towards Trump’s goal of eliminating the Department of Education, a promise he has made for his second term.
Trump has long criticized the Department of Education for pushing what Republicans consider a “woke” political agenda on issues such as gender and race. He has vowed to transfer control of education policy to individual US states, a plan that McMahon is likely to spearhead.
Controversy Surrounding McMahon’s WWE Involvement
McMahon’s nomination has been overshadowed by a lawsuit filed against her and her husband involving allegations of abuse by a former WWE announcer. The McMahons have denied the accusations, calling them “false claims” stemming from unfounded media reports. Despite this, McMahon’s longstanding loyalty to Trump and her leadership at the pro-Trump think tank, the America First Policy Institute, makes her confirmation likely in the Republican-majority Senate.
Dr. Mehmet Oz’s Nomination for CMS
Trump’s second major nomination is that of Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the CMS. Oz, a former heart surgeon and TV personality, is best known for his controversial advice on health and wellness. Trump praised Oz for his qualifications, stating that there is “no physician more qualified and capable” to oversee the CMS, which manages Medicare and Medicaid, covering over 150 million Americans.
Oz’s nomination has raised eyebrows due to his history of promoting unproven health treatments and endorsements of pseudoscience. He has been criticized for recommending alternative medicines and weight-loss pills, as well as his promotion of hydroxychloroquine during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, Trump believes Oz will be able to cut waste and fraud in the government’s healthcare programs.
Unifying Trump’s Top Team
Both McMahon and Oz share a strong allegiance to Trump, and their appointments signal a continuation of his approach to filling key roles with loyal supporters. Trump’s picks follow a pattern of choosing individuals who align with his political values and vision for the country. McMahon’s focus on empowering parents and Oz’s commitment to improving the healthcare system will likely form the foundation of Trump’s cabinet in 2025.
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