Donald Trump announces that Linda McMahon, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), will be nominated as secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.
McMahon headed the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term and donated over $20 million to his 2024 campaign. Prior to her time at the SBA, her only experience in politics or government was as a mega-donor who’d unsuccessfully run for Senate twice. She also served on the Connecticut State Board of Education between 2007 and 2009.
In 2019, McMahon stepped down from the SBA to head the pro-Trump America First Action super PAC. More recently as of 2024, she is a chair member for the America First Policy Institute…
…a MAGA-aligned non-profit led by former Trump official Brooke Rollins that has been nicknamed Trump’s “administration in waiting.” Media Matters reported that in that role “she has written content attacking diversity, equity, and inclusion; minimum wage increases; and Biden’s record on labor policy.”
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America First Policy Institute’s Carla Sands is a contributor to the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025.
Trump’s Statement on McMahon
It is my great honor to announce that Linda McMahon, former Administrator of the Small Business Administration, will be the United States Secretary of Education.
For the past four years, as the Chair of the Board at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), Linda has been a fierce advocate for Parents’ Rights, working hard at both AFPI and America First Works (AFW) to achieve Universal School Choice in 12 States, giving children the opportunity to receive an excellent Education, regardless of zip code or income. As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand “Choice” to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families.
Linda served for two years on the Connecticut Board of Education, where she was one of fifteen members overseeing all Public Education in the State, including its Technical High School system. She also served as a Member of the Board of Trustees at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, for two stints totaling over 16 years. She is now doing an incredible job as Co-Chair of our Trump-Vance Transition Team. Linda will use her decades of Leadership experience, and deep understanding of both Education and Business, to empower the next Generation of American Students and Workers, and make America Number One in Education in the World. We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort.
Sources
NBC News
AP
Politico
India Times
Admin 2025 (Archived)
Truth Social – Trump Statement

