Former Small Business Administrator and WWE CEO to lead Department of Education with plans to return power to the States

In a significant announcement late Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump revealed that Linda McMahon, his transition co-chair and former Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), will be his pick to serve as the next U.S. Secretary of Education. McMahon, who is known for her leadership at WWE and her pro-Trump political activities, has been tasked with a pivotal role in shaping the future of American education under Trump’s second term.

Trump’s choice follows earlier moves in his cabinet selection process. After appointing Howard Lutnick to lead the Commerce Department, the president-elect turned to McMahon, bypassing her previous consideration for the position of Commerce Secretary. In a statement, Trump praised McMahon’s leadership skills, emphasizing her deep understanding of both business and education. He vowed that McMahon would lead efforts to make America the top global leader in education while shifting educational authority back to state control.

“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,” Trump stated. “We will send education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort.”

McMahon’s career spans various sectors. Prior to her work with the SBA, McMahon co-founded WWE, where she grew the company into a global entertainment powerhouse. After stepping down as CEO of WWE in 2009, she remained influential in conservative circles, serving as chair of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), a think tank formed by former Trump administration officials. Her role at AFPI solidified her as a prominent Republican figure, with the institute raising millions to shape policy ideas for Trump’s upcoming term.

While McMahon’s appointment signals Trump’s commitment to reshaping American education, including reducing federal influence, her role will be complex. Trump has long advocated for the elimination of the Department of Education, though dismantling the agency would require congressional approval. In practice, it’s more likely that federal education programs will be redistributed to states with fewer federal mandates.

McMahon could also oversee potential changes to federal rules under Title IX, reversing Biden administration protections for LGBTQ+ students. Trump’s previous campaign calls for limiting transgender students’ participation in girls’ sports could manifest in regulatory actions within the Education Department under McMahon’s leadership.

Linda McMahon’s political history includes two unsuccessful attempts to secure a Senate seat in Connecticut, spending over $98 million of her own money in 2010 and 2012. She was also a significant donor during Trump’s first presidential campaign, contributing millions to pro-Trump super PACs.

As Secretary of Education, McMahon will be expected to bring her business acumen to a department that serves over 56 million public school students and manages a $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio, all while carrying out Trump’s vision for educational reform.