Linda McMahon is a powerhouse in both business and politics, and her latest nomination as Education Secretary under Donald Trump’s administration is no surprise.
Born Linda Marie Edwards, she’s the wife of Vince McMahon, whose father was a renowned professional wrestling promoter. Together, they founded World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), transforming it into a cultural phenomenon.
Early Life and Education
McMahon grew up in a conservative Baptist family in New Bern, North Carolina, and later converted to Roman Catholicism. She met Vince McMahon at 13 and married him at 17.
McMahon earned a bachelor’s degree in French from East Carolina University.
Business Career
As WWE’s CEO, McMahon played a crucial role in its explosive growth. She negotiated key business deals, including a 2000 TV deal with Viacom, and launched the company’s first line of action figures, Wrestling Superstars, in 1984.
Under her leadership, WWE changed its TV parental guidelines rating from TV-14 to TV-PG in 2008, discontinuing chair shots to the head and explicit content.
Politics
McMahon stepped down as WWE’s CEO in 2009 to run for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut but lost twice, first to Richard Blumenthal in 2010 and then to Chris Murphy in 2012.
She later focused on providing financial support to candidates, donating $6 million to Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
Trump Administration
McMahon served as the 25th Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019. Her nomination as Education Secretary marks her return to Trump’s administration.
With her diverse background and experience, McMahon is poised to make a significant impact in her new role.
