President-elect Donald Trump has selected Linda McMahon as his choice for the next Secretary of Education. This decision was made after it was clear that McMahon would not be chosen for the role of Commerce Secretary. Trump made the announcement on Tuesday night, stating that McMahon’s extensive leadership experience and knowledge of both education and business will help empower the next generation of American students and workers. He also mentioned that education will be returned to the states under McMahon’s leadership.
McMahon previously served as the administrator of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term. She resigned in 2019 to chair America First Action, a pro-Trump super PAC. Additionally, McMahon is the board chair of the America First Policy Institute, a think tank formed in 2021 by McMahon, Larry Kudlow, and other advisers from the first Trump administration. The institute has raised significant funds since its establishment and is known for planning potential policy proposals for Trump’s potential second term.
Before her political career, McMahon was the CEO of WWE, the wrestling entertainment company she co-founded with her husband, Vince McMahon. During her time as CEO, McMahon played a key role in the company’s transformation into a publicly traded media empire. She stepped down from her position in 2009.
In addition to her business ventures, McMahon has also run for the US Senate in Connecticut twice, in 2010 and 2012, but was unsuccessful both times. She self-funded her campaigns, spending millions of dollars on each. Trump showed his support for McMahon by donating $5,000 to her 2012 campaign. McMahon is known for being a major Republican donor, having contributed over $7 million to pro-Trump super PACs during Trump’s first presidential campaign.
Overall, Linda McMahon’s background in business, politics, and education make her a significant choice for the position of Secretary of Education. Her leadership skills and dedication to empowering future generations of American students and workers are expected to drive positive change in the education sector.