Penny Schwinn Withdraws Nomination for Education Department Deputy Role

Penny Schwinn, former Tennessee education commissioner and early appointee for the deputy role in the U.S. Department of Education under President Donald Trump, has withdrawn her nomination. Schwinn will instead serve as a senior adviser and chief strategist, positions not requiring Senate confirmation, continuing her commitment to education reform and student achievement. Her nomination faced opposition from cultural conservatives in Tennessee and some Republicans due to concerns about her perceived liberal stances on reading material restrictions, social-emotional learning, and her involvement in education-related business activities. Despite pledging alignment with President Trump's education agenda, she encountered resistance related to her handling of pandemic protocols and culture war issues involving gender and race instruction. Education Secretary Linda McMahon praised Schwinn's expertise and expressed optimism about her new role, while some conservatives lamented the timing of her withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of filling the deputy position to manage state flexibility in education funding. Schwinn cited thoughtful consideration and a desire to contribute effectively as reasons for stepping back from the deputy secretary role.