Linda McMahon named as Donald Trump’s pick for education secretary | US News
Donald Trump has selected former WWE CEO Linda McMahon to serve as his Secretary of Education, a department he has pledged to eliminate.
At 76, Mrs. McMahon transitioned from the wrestling industry to a political career in the early 2000s, running for the Senate twice before focusing on supporting Mr. Trump in his presidential campaigns.
She has been a major donor to his campaigns and held a prominent business role in his previous administration.
In a statement, Mr. Trump stated that she will “empower the next generation of American students and workers, and make America number one in education globally”.
However, he has also vowed to dismantle the Department of Education, returning authority to individual states and defunding schools that promote ideologies he deems inappropriate.
Here are key facts about Linda McMahon.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Who will be in Trump’s White House?
Married into wrestling empire at 17
Linda McMahon, originally from North Carolina, met her future husband Vince McMahon at a young age. They married when she was 17 after being involved in the wrestling business with his family.
Together, they founded their own company, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), which gained international recognition. They have two children and later relocated to Connecticut.
Donald Trump, wrestler Bobby Lashley, and Vince McMahon on Wrestlemania in 2007. Pic: AP
Read more
Who’s in Trump’s top team?
Who’s Trump’s ‘ice maiden’ chief of staff?
Just how big was Trump’s win?
Although known for her role in WWE, Linda McMahon transitioned to politics in 2009 after stepping down as CEO. Her husband Vince McMahon faced controversy and left his role amid allegations of misconduct.
Linda and Vince McMahon in New York in 1994. Pic: AP
Senate bids and party donations
Following unsuccessful attempts to win a Senate seat in Connecticut, Linda McMahon shifted her focus to supporting Republican candidates through financial contributions.
She was a major donor to the 2016 Trump presidential campaign and was later appointed to lead the Small Business Administration in his administration.
Her appointment was praised by her former Senate rivals, highlighting her business acumen and accomplishments.
At a rally during her 2010 Senate campaign. Pic: AP
After her political endeavors, Linda McMahon continued to be involved in supporting Mr. Trump’s campaigns and initiatives, playing key roles in fundraising and advocacy to further his political agenda.
With Mr Trump for the announcement of her resignation from the Small Business Administration in 2019. Pic: AP
She continued to play a key role in supporting Mr. Trump, aiming to influence policy direction and his future political aspirations.
Congratulating Donald Trump’s 2017 executive order on ‘reorganising the executive branch’ in the Oval Office. Pic: AP
This year, she co-chaired Mr. Trump’s transition team and remains committed to his political aspirations. Her role as Secretary of Education may challenge the Department of Education’s existence, as Mr. Trump aims to reshape education policies.
The fate of the Department of Education, established by Congress in 1979, remains uncertain amidst plans to overhaul its structure.
