By CHRIS MEGERIAN, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Linda McMahon has solidified her reputation as a significant figure within Donald Trump’s often tumultuous political landscape, having served in various capacities throughout his presidential campaigns and administration. In his latest move, he has appointed her as the new Education Secretary.
Here’s an in-depth look at McMahon’s journey from the wrestling ring to the political arena.
McMahon went from wrestling to politics
McMahon is married to Vince McMahon, a prominent figure in professional wrestling, having inherited the industry from his father, a respected promoter. Together, they reinvented the wrestling world by founding their own enterprise, now globally known as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which has become a cultural powerhouse and a mainstay in American entertainment.
During Trump’s rise to fame as the star of the reality television series “The Apprentice,” he made a memorable Alex Reed appearance at WrestleMania in 2007. There, the billionaire mogul engaged in a highly theatrical feud with Vince McMahon that culminated in a dramatic moment where Trump famously shaved Vince McMahon’s head inside the wrestling ring.
In a strategic move to pivot her career, Linda McMahon resigned as WWE’s chief executive to dive into politics. She contested for a U.S. Senate seat from Connecticut on two occasions, falling short in her campaigns against Richard Blumenthal in 2010 and Chris Murphy in 2012.
Following these electoral defeats, she redirected her efforts towards backing political candidates financially; notably, she contributed a substantial $6 million towards Trump’s presidential campaign after he secured the Republican nomination in 2016.
Teaching was an initial career goal
In 2009, McMahon served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year. During her tenure, she communicated her longstanding passion for education and her earlier aspiration to become a teacher, a dream she set aside following her marriage.
Additionally, she dedicated years to the board of trustees at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, further highlighting her commitment to educational causes.
Despite being relatively unknown in the education sector, McMahon has advocated for charter schools and championed school choice initiatives, indicating her alignment with contemporary educational reform discussions.
McMahon was part of Trump’s first presidency
A month after winning the presidency, Trump appointed McMahon to lead the Small Business Administration, a crucial agency responsible for providing loans and disaster relief to businesses, as well as ensuring compliance with government contract regulations.
Upon her appointment, she received commendations from Connecticut senators Blumenthal and Murphy, who had previously defeated her in Senate races. Blumenthal admired her as “a person of serious accomplishment and ability,” while Murphy recognized her as a “talented and experienced businessperson.”
Unlike many of her peers in Trump’s initial cabinet, McMahon’s tenure was marked by a lack of scandal or controversy, showcasing her effectiveness as she promoted the administration’s trade and tax policies.
When she departed her role in 2019, Trump lauded her impact by stating, “She has been a superstar. 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.”
She kept supporting Trump after leaving the administration
After leaving her official capacity, McMahon continued to be an influential supporter of Trump. She took the helm of America First Action, a super PAC dedicated to supporting Trump’s reelection campaign in 2020. Despite Trump’s defeat by Democrat Joe Biden, McMahon played a key role in founding the America First Policy Institute, aiming to persistently advocate for Trump’s policy agenda and plan for a potential resurgence in the White House.
As Trump launched his presidential campaign again this year, McMahon co-chaired his transition team alongside Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald. In this capacity, McMahon has been actively engaged in preparations for Trump’s new administration.
Once in office, one of McMahon’s most significant challenges might be to dissolve the very agency she is tasked with overseeing. Trump has announced plans to dismantle the Education Department and return its powers to the states, although he has yet to detail how such a significant agency, established by Congress in 1979, would be legally dismantled.
Originally Published: November 20, 2024 at 11:41 AM EST
What inspired Linda McMahon to transition from WWE to the role of Education Secretary?
**Interview with Linda McMahon: From WWE to Education Secretary**
*Host:* Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Linda McMahon, recently appointed as the Secretary of Education. Linda, thank you for joining us.
*Linda McMahon:* Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
*Host:* Your transition from the world of professional wrestling to politics is quite remarkable. Can you tell us what motivated this shift in your career path?
*Linda McMahon:* Absolutely. I’ve always had a passion for education, which goes back to my early dreams of becoming a teacher. After stepping down from WWE, I wanted to bring my experience and insights from the business world into public service. Education has always been close to my heart, particularly as I’ve served on various educational boards, including the Connecticut Board of Education.
*Host:* You’ve been a significant supporter of educational reform, advocating for charter schools and school choice. Why do you believe these initiatives are so important?
*Linda McMahon:* I believe that every child deserves access to quality education, and school choice provides parents with the ability to select the best educational setting for their children. Charter schools often offer innovative teaching methods that can better cater to different learning styles. It’s about finding what works best for each student.
*Host:* Looking back, you were also very active during Donald Trump’s presidency, leading the Small Business Administration. How has that experience prepared you for your new role as Education Secretary?
*Linda McMahon:* My time at the SBA taught me about the importance of supporting individuals and organizations in achieving their goals. This experience will definitely inform my approach to the Department of Education, as I aim to empower educators and parents, ensuring they have the resources needed to nourish our next generation.
*Host:* You initially ran for a U.S. Senate seat. How have those experiences shaped your approach to politics today?
*Linda McMahon:* Running for office taught me a great deal about the political process, the importance of connecting with voters, and understanding their concerns. While I didn’t win those races, I gained valuable insights into how government functions at every level, which I now leverage in my role as Secretary.
*Host:* many are curious about your connection with the wrestling community, especially with your husband, Vince McMahon. How do you think your background in this industry informs your work now?
*Linda McMahon:* Wrestling is all about storytelling and connecting with the audience. I think those skills translate well into politics—the ability to communicate effectively and engage with people is crucial. Plus, having a background in a dynamic, high-pressure environment has certainly helped me navigate the challenges of public service.
*Host:* Thank you, Linda. It’s clear that your journey has been fascinating and your insights valuable. We look forward to seeing how you lead the Department of Education.
*Linda McMahon:* Thank you! I’m excited for what’s ahead and committed to making a positive impact in the education sector.
