Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), to lead the Department of Education—a position he has pledged to dismantle if re-elected.
Trump described McMahon as a “strong advocate for Parents’ Rights” and emphasized his goal to return control of education to individual states. “Linda will lead the charge in making that happen,” he said in a statement.
McMahon, who has been a key figure in Trump’s transition team, is tasked with helping to fill thousands of government positions ahead of his potential return to the White House in January. Although her direct experience in education is limited, Trump highlighted her two years on the Connecticut Board of Education and her 16 years on the board of trustees at Sacred Heart University as valuable credentials.
McMahon’s ties to Trump run deep, dating back to her time as WWE’s CEO. She even ran for U.S. Senate in 2009, though unsuccessfully, and has been a significant financial supporter of Trump’s political endeavors.
In addition to her political involvement, McMahon has chaired the Center for the American Worker at the America First Policy Institute, which is aligned with Trump’s political goals since 2021.
Trump has long vowed to abolish the federal Department of Education if he returns to office, stating at a rally in Wisconsin, “We will ultimately eliminate the federal Department of Education.” At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, McMahon praised Trump, calling him a “friend” and “boss,” and recalling their past encounters in the professional wrestling world, including a memorable on-air stunt where Trump shaved the head of her husband, WWE promoter Vince McMahon.
Previously, McMahon served as the head of the Small Business Administration in 2017, where she helped support America’s small businesses. After her time in the administration, she became the chair of the America First Action SuperPAC, which supports Trump’s political initiatives.
