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Linda McMahon’s Political Journey and Upcoming Role as Education Secretary
Linda McMahon has consistently been a significant figure in Donald Trump’s political circle, having held positions in his initial administration and supporting his presidential campaigns. Recently, Trump appointed her as the Secretary of Education.
McMahon’s career transitioned from professional wrestling to politics. She is married to Vince McMahon, whose father was a notable promoter in the wrestling industry. Together, they created what has evolved into World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), a powerhouse in entertainment and culture in America.
During Trump’s rise to fame on the reality television show “The Apprentice,” he made a memorable appearance at Wrestlemania in 2007. The billionaire participated in an elaborate storyline that culminated with him shaving Vince McMahon’s head in the ring, showcasing the blend of entertainment and celebrity culture.
In pursuit of a career in politics, Linda McMahon resigned as WWE’s CEO. She made two attempts at winning a U.S. Senate seat in Connecticut, first in 2010 against Richard Blumenthal and then in 2012 against Chris Murphy, both of which resulted in defeats.
After these political endeavors, she redirected her focus toward supporting candidates financially. Notably, she contributed $6 million to bolster Trump’s campaign after he became the Republican nominee in 2016.
Education has long been a field of interest for McMahon; she briefly served on the Connecticut Board of Education beginning in 2009. At that time, she expressed her longstanding aspiration to become a teacher, a dream that was set aside after her marriage.
Additionally, she participated on the board of trustees at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Although she may not be widely recognized in educational circles, McMahon has voiced her support for charter schools and the concept of school choice.
During Trump’s first term, he appointed her as the head of the Small Business Administration a month after winning the presidency over Hillary Clinton. Her role involved overseeing loans and disaster relief for businesses, as well as ensuring compliance with federal contracting laws.
Upon her appointment, Linda garnered praise from her former Senate adversaries, Blumenthal and Murphy. Blumenthal commended her as “a person of serious accomplishment and ability,” while Murphy highlighted her extensive business experience.
In contrast to many in Trump’s administration, McMahon did not face scandals or controversies. She actively supported the administration’s trade and tax initiatives. “She has been a superstar,” Trump remarked after her departure from the administration in 2019, expressing surprise at her effectiveness.
After stepping down, McMahon remained instrumental in Trump’s political initiatives. She led America First Action, a super PAC that backed Trump’s 2020 campaign, which ultimately lost to Democrat Joe Biden. To further Trump’s policies, she helped establish the America First Policy Institute.
As Trump initiated another presidential run, McMahon played a vital role as co-chair of his transition team alongside Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald. In this capacity, she is working on organizing Trump’s upcoming administration.
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