Trump Names Penny Schwinn as Deputy Secretary of Education

Schwinn, a former Tennessee education commissioner, brings a mix of achievements and controversies to the role, pending Senate confirmation.

President-elect Donald Trump announced Penny Schwinn as his pick for deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, a position requiring Senate confirmation.
Schwinn previously served as Tennessee's education commissioner, where she implemented the state's school choice program and overhauled its school funding formula.
Her tenure in Tennessee was marked by achievements in literacy and pandemic recovery efforts but also faced criticism over administrative decisions and high staff turnover.
Trump praised Schwinn's conservative approach to education and commitment to returning education oversight to the states, aligning with his broader policy goals.
The nomination has drawn mixed reactions, with some Trump supporters questioning the decision given his campaign promises to dismantle the Department of Education.