Learn about Linda McMahon, the person Trump chose for Education secretary
Linda McMahon is always around Donald Trump, helping in his first administration and backing his presidential runs. Now, he picked her to be the Education secretary. Let’s check out McMahon’s journey from business to politics.
McMahon went from wrestling to politics
Linda McMahon is married to Vince McMahon, whose father was a well-known professional wrestling promoter. They ventured into the industry, establishing their own company, now recognized as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which became a major player in both the wrestling world and American culture.
During Trump’s time on “The Apprentice,” he appeared at Wrestlemania in 2007. In a highly staged showdown, the billionaire entertainment magnate ended up shaving Vince McMahon’s head in the ring. Following this, Linda McMahon transitioned from her role as WWE’s chief executive to enter the political arena. Although she ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Connecticut twice, she was unsuccessful in both attempts, losing to Richard Blumenthal in 2010 and Chris Murphy in 2012.
Later on, McMahon turned her focus to financially supporting political candidates. After Trump secured the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, McMahon contributed $6 million to support his campaign.
Initially, teaching was a career aspiration
McMahon was a member of the Connecticut Board of Education for a year from 2009. She informed legislators that she had always been passionate about education and initially aimed to become a teacher before shifting her focus due to marriage.
Additionally, she dedicated years to serving on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. While McMahon is not widely recognized in education spheres, she has voiced backing for charter schools and school choice.
McMahon was involved in Trump’s initial administration
A month after winning against Hillary Clinton, Trump selected McMahon to lead the Small Business Administration. This agency provides loans, disaster relief, and oversees officials’ adherence to contract laws.
Upon her appointment, McMahon received praise from Blumenthal and Murphy, the Connecticut Democrats who had defeated her in Senate races. Blumenthal described her as a person of significant achievement and capability, while Murphy noted her talent and extensive business experience.
Unlike some members of Trump’s initial administration, McMahon’s tenure was free from scandal or controversy. She actively supported Trump’s trade and tax policies.
Upon her departure in 2019, Trump lauded McMahon, calling her a ‘superstar’ and expressing surprise at her exceptional abilities: ‘The fact is, I’ve known her for a long time. I knew she was good, but I didn’t know she was that good.’
Even after leaving the administration, McMahon continued to show support for Trump
McMahon remained close to Trump, chairing America First Action, a super PAC supporting his 2020 reelection campaign. Following Trump’s loss to Joe Biden, she co-founded the America First Policy Institute to uphold Trump’s policies and prepare for a potential White House return.
In Trump’s recent presidential bid, McMahon served as the co-chair of his transition team alongside Howard Lutnick from Cantor Fitzgerald. In this capacity, McMahon has been instrumental in shaping Trump’s future administration.
If Trump assumes office again, McMahon faces the notable challenge of potentially dismantling the agency she was initially appointed to lead. Trump has proposed shutting down the Education Department and devolving its responsibilities to the states. However, the logistics of such a move remain unclear, as dissolving the agency, established by Congress in 1979, would likely necessitate congressional action.
