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From the Ring to the Cabinet: WWE Co-Founder Linda McMahon Takes on Education Secretary Role!
Who is Linda McMahon?
Linda McMahon is best known as the co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where she played a pivotal role in transforming the wrestling industry into a global entertainment phenomenon. Her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership have made her one of the most influential figures in sports entertainment. In addition to her work in WWE, McMahon has also served as a small business advocate and had a significant political career, paving the way for her latest appointment as the Education Secretary.
The Transition from WWE to Politics
Linda McMahon’s journey from the wrestling ring to the political arena is nothing short of remarkable. Here are key highlights of her career transition:
- WWE Co-Founder: Established WWE with her husband, Vince McMahon, in 1980, leading the company to unprecedented heights.
- Political Involvement: Ran for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut twice, showcasing her commitment to public service and political reform.
- Small Business Administration: Appointed as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) during the Trump administration, focusing on entrepreneurship and job creation.
McMahon’s Vision as Education Secretary
As the newly appointed Education Secretary, Linda McMahon aims to prioritize several key areas in education reform:
- Enhancing Skills Training: Advocating for programs that bridge the gap between education and workforce needs.
- Promoting Educational Equity: Ensuring access to quality education for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
- Encouraging Innovation: Supporting innovative teaching methods and technological advancements in education.
Benefits of McMahon’s Appointment
Linda McMahon’s unique background offers various
Linda McMahon Nominated for Secretary of Education in Trump’s Upcoming Administration
President-elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of Linda McMahon, co-founder of WWE, as the Secretary of Education.
On November 19, Trump, 78 years old, revealed his plans to include McMahon, 76, in his forthcoming administration. Notably, McMahon has previously held the role of Administrator at the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term.
In a statement released on November 19, Trump praised McMahon’s performance as co-chair of his transition team, stating that she is doing an ”incredible” job.
“Linda will work relentlessly to promote ‘Choice’ throughout every state in the nation and will empower parents to take charge of their children’s educational choices,” Trump declared. He further emphasized that “We will return Education BACK TO THE STATES; Linda will lead this initiative.”
Currently serving as chair and chief executive officer at Cantor Fitzgerald—a prominent financial services firm—McMahon brings considerable experience from her tenure on the Connecticut Board of Education for two years. Additionally, she was previously Chairwoman at America First Policy Institute (AFPI) and contributed to both AFPI and America First Works (AFW).
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Potential Overhaul: Abolishing the Department of Education
In her prospective role, McMahon may oversee significant changes regarding Trump’s vision for restructuring or even dissolving the Department of Education altogether.
During his campaign trail leading up to Election Day in July 2024, Trump harshly critiqued the department for perceived ineffectiveness while accusing some staff members of harboring ill intentions towards children. At that time he voiced proposals aimed at shuttering federal education offices and withdrawing financial support from any educational institution promoting critical race theory or similar contentious ideologies relating to race and gender.
Trump also expressed a commitment toward identifying “radical elements” within federal education systems while advocating for a ban on transgender women participating in female sports categories.
Background on Linda McMahon’s Career
Before venturing into public office roles, Linda was notably involved with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which she launched alongside her husband Vince McMahon. In pursuit of a political career focused on Connecticut’s U.S. Senate seat in 2009 she resigned from WWE but ultimately did not secure victory in that election bid.
Linda’s nomination coincides with other noteworthy appointments within Trump’s administration; just prior he appointed Dr. Mehmet Oz as head administrator over Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services along with Howard Lutnick—also partaking as co-chair under McMahon—as commerce secretary nominee who serves as CEO/Chairman at Cantor Fitzgerald itself.