Linda McMahon, who previously served as co-chair of Donald Trump’s transition team, is poised to be appointed as the new secretary of the Department of Education, as reported by multiple sources.
The decision follows the announcement that McMahon would not be chosen for the role of Commerce secretary, which went to her fellow transition co-chair, Howard Lutnick. Lutnick’s appointment comes after considerable speculation about his candidacy for the Treasury position, alongside hedge fund manager Scott Bessent.
McMahon’s experience includes her tenure as the administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019, where she played a significant role in small business policy during Trump’s first administration. After stepping down, she took on the chair position at America First Action, a pro-Trump super PAC, and currently serves as chair of the America First Policy Institute, a think tank dedicated to shaping policy for a potential second Trump term.
A notable figure in the business world, McMahon co-founded the WWE with her husband, Vince, shaping it from a modest wrestling company into a publicly traded powerhouse. Her political career includes two attempts to secure a Senate seat in Connecticut, both of which ended unsuccessfully, though she notably poured substantial funds into her campaigns.
McMahon is recognized as a significant Republican donor, having contributed over $7 million to pro-Trump super PACs during his first presidential campaign.
As the potential new Education Secretary, McMahon’s extensive background in business and her political connections could bring a fresh perspective to educational policy. This could mark a hopeful shift towards initiatives that may support business education, promote entrepreneurship, and address the needs of schools in the upcoming term.
In summary, McMahon’s anticipated role in the Department of Education represents not only a continuation of her influence within Trump’s administration but also signals a focus on how business principles can intersect with educational reform.