Trump nominates Linda McMahon for Education Secretary. Here’s why.
Trump lauded the wrestling mogul and said her education and business expertise will empower youth.
Donald Trump selected his transition co-chair and wrestling billionaire Linda McMahon education department secretary.
On Tuesday, Trump appointed Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick to oversee the Commerce Department. After suggesting himself for Treasury Secretary, Lutnick clashed with hedge fund manager Scott Bessent.
Trump stated that Linda’s decades of leadership expertise and deep grasp of education and industry will empower the next generation of American students and workers, making America the global leader in education. Education will return to the states, and Linda will lead.”
Here’s an overview of Linda McMahon’s journey from business to politics.
Personal Life and Startup
Vince McMahon, whose father promoted wrestling, is McMahon’s husband. Following his lead, the couple founded World Wrestling Entertainment. WWE dominated wrestling and American pop culture under their guidance.
Trump guest appeared at WrestleMania in 2007 while starring on The Apprentice, partaking in a simulated rivalry that ended with Trump shaving Vince McMahon’s head in the ring.
Political Career
Linda McMahon resigned from her position as CEO of WWE to pursue a career in politics. She ran twice for a U.S. Senate seat in Connecticut, losing to Richard Blumenthal in 2010 and Chris Murphy in 2012. Afterward, she shifted her focus to supporting other political candidates, contributing $6 million to back Trump’s campaign once he secured the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.
Interest in Education
McMahon served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009, recalling that she had always been interested in education and planned to become a teacher before marrying. She was on the Connecticut Sacred Heart University trustees. While not well known in education, McMahon supports charter schools and school choice.
Small Business Administration
A month after Trump’s election, McMahon became head of the Small Business Administration, which offers loans, disaster relief, and contract compliance to businesses. McMahon was praised by Blumenthal and Murphy, her Senate opponents. Blumenthal labeled her “a person of serious success and competence,” while Murphy dubbed her “talented and experienced businessperson.”
McMahon was hardly scandalized in Trump’s first presidency. She actively promoted Trump’s trade and tax policies. When she departed the administration in 2019, Trump called her “a superstar,” saying, “I knew she was good, but I did not know she was that terrific.”
Post-Administration Involvement
After leaving office, McMahon remained close to Trump. She chaired America First Action, a super PAC that worked for Trump’s 2020 reelection, which Joe Biden won. To promote Trump’s policies and prepare for a White House run, McMahon founded the America First Policy Institute.
With Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick, McMahon co-chaired Trump’s current presidential transition committee. She helped plan Trump’s new administration.
Should Trump win again, McMahon’s biggest job may be demolishing her former agency. Trump has pledged to abolish the Education Department and give its duties to the states, which would require congressional legislation.
