United States President-elect Donald Trump has announced Linda McMahon as his pick for the next education secretary. McMahon, who is best known for her tenure as a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) executive, will lead the Department of Education, a federal agency that Trump has previously suggested eliminating.

"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," Trump said in a statement. He added that McMahon will fight "tirelessly" to expand universal school choice across the country.

Background and qualifications

McMahon's career spans business and politics, marked by her significant contributions to the world of professional wrestling alongside her husband, Vince McMahon. Together, they built WWE into an industry leader. 

Vince McMahon followed in the footsteps of his father, a wrestling promoter, to establish the company that would become synonymous with professional wrestling.

Previous work with Trump

McMahon and Trump share a long-standing professional relationship. During Trump’s time as host of the reality TV show The Apprentice, he appeared in a 2007 WWE WrestleMania event in a scripted feud with Vince McMahon. 

The storyline culminated in Trump shaving Vince's head in the ring, adding a layer of public familiarity to their relationship.

Political career

McMahon transitioned into politics after stepping down as WWE's chief executive, running twice for a US Senate seat in Connecticut. She was defeated in 2010 by Richard Blumenthal and in 2012 by Chris Murphy. Notably, education was one of McMahon's early interests; she served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and revealed that she originally planned to become a teacher before her career pivoted after her marriage.

Previous government role

McMahon previously served in Trump’s first administration as the head of the Small Business Administration (SBA). In that role, she oversaw the provision of loans and disaster relief to small businesses and ensured compliance with government contracting laws. 

Trump praised her performance when she stepped down in 2019, stating, "The fact is, I've known her for a long time. I knew she was good, but I didn't know she was that good."

Following her time at the SBA, McMahon continued her involvement in politics and advocacy. She chaired America First Action, a super PAC supporting Trump's 2020 reelection campaign. 

After Trump's loss to Joe Biden, she helped establish the America First Policy Institute to push forward Trump’s policy agenda.

McMahon's appointment as education secretary signals Trump’s commitment to advancing policies centred on school choice and parental rights in education.