Linda McMahon

Linda McMahon
Born	Linda Marie Edwards (1948-10-04) October 4, 1948 New Bern, North Carolina, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Business leader, politician
Years active	1980–present
Known for	Co-founder of Titan Sports, Inc. (WWE), 25th Administrator of the Small Business Administration, 13th United States Secretary of Education

Linda Marie McMahon ( ; ; born October 4, 1948) is an American business leader and politician currently serving as the 13th United States Secretary of Education since 2025. A member of the Republican Party, she was the 25th Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 until 2019.

Together with her husband, Vince McMahon, she co-established Titan Sports, Inc., which later became World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.. From 1980 through 2009, she held the positions of president and CEO, guiding the company’s evolution from a regional northeastern enterprise into a global corporation. During her tenure, she initiated corporate social responsibility programs such as Get R.E.A.L. and SmackDown! Your Vote, and occasionally appeared on-screen, notably engaging in a storyline rivalry culminating at WrestleMania X-Seven. In 2009, McMahon departed WWE to focus on politics, running unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate representing Connecticut in both 2010 and 2012.

President-elect Donald Trump nominated her as Administrator of the Small Business Administration on December 7, 2016. The Senate confirmed her appointment on February 14, 2017, with an 81–19 vote. She remained in this role until April 12, 2019, when she resigned to contribute to Trump’s re-election efforts.

In 2021, McMahon took on the role of founding chairwoman for the America First Policy Institute.

On November 19, 2024, Trump put forward her nomination to become U.S. Secretary of Education for his second term. The Senate approved her confirmation on March 3, 2025, by a slim margin of 51–45 votes. She was sworn in that same day as the nation’s 13th Secretary of Education.

Early life

Born Linda Marie Edwards in New Bern, North Carolina, she is the daughter of Evelyn and Henry Edwards and comes from a Welsh-American background. An only child, she grew up playing basketball and baseball. Her parents were employed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Raised within a conservative Baptist household, she later converted to Roman Catholicism.

At age thirteen, she met Vince McMahon, who was sixteen at the time. Their mothers worked in the same building and developed a friendship. Vince had endured instability due to abusive stepfathers but found support within the Edwards family. They maintained a relationship throughout high school—she attended New Bern High School, while he went to Fishburne Military School in Virginia. Vince frequently visited her home during this period.

Shortly after completing high school, Vince proposed marriage; they wed on August 26, 1966, when she was seventeen and he was twenty-one. She enrolled at East Carolina University that same year and earned a bachelor’s degree in French through a teacher preparation program. Between 1968 and 1971, Vince worked as a traveling cup salesman before joining his father’s wrestling organization—the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), which later became WWE. Their son Shane McMahon was born in 1970, followed by daughter Stephanie McMahon in 1976.

Early career

The McMahons moved to Gaithersburg, Maryland in 1969. Linda took a position as a receptionist at the corporate law firm Covington & Burling, where she translated French materials, trained as a paralegal within the probate division, and studied aspects of intellectual property law.

For several years, the couple faced financial hardships; despite Vince working at a quarry, they temporarily depended on food stamps. In 1976, amid several unsuccessful ventures—including backing stuntman Evel Knievel's Snake River Canyon Jump—and while expecting Stephanie McMahon’s birth, they declared bankruptcy.

By 1979, Vince began promoting wrestling shows at the Cape Cod Coliseum in Massachusetts, which he eventually acquired. In 1980, he founded Titan Sports, Inc., later known as WWE. The McMahons also organized hockey games and other sporting events at the Coliseum; Linda even prepared meals for attendees. As their business grew, Linda provided administrative support to Vince and applied her knowledge of intellectual property to safeguard company trademarks. Initially, professional wrestling did not captivate her interest.

In 1983, their family relocated to Greenwich, Connecticut. They are grandparents to six grandchildren.

Executive Leadership

Titan Sports, Inc. was established in 1980 by Linda McMahon alongside Vince McMahon. Linda held the informal title of "co-chief executive" before officially becoming president in 1993 and then CEO in 1997. Their guidance propelled substantial expansion, revolutionizing the wrestling sector and earning them acclaim as visionary business leaders.

Linda concentrated extensively on product merchandising, securing pivotal agreements and introducing the company's inaugural action figure series, Wrestling Superstars, in 1984. This initiative broadened WWE's appeal to younger audiences and expanded its market presence. Additionally, she spearheaded negotiations for the WWF’s 2000 television contract with Viacom, a vital source of revenue.

In a discussion, Linda expressed her ease operating within the male-centric wrestling industry, emphasizing the presence of strong female leadership particularly in human resources and consumer products divisions, despite the predominantly "testosterone-fueled" environment.

On September 16, 2009, Linda McMahon stepped down as WWE’s CEO to pursue a Republican bid for the U.S. Senate representing Connecticut, marking her shift from corporate management to political aspirations.

McMahon's directive to Pat Patterson

A 1989 memorandum from McMahon to vice president Pat Patterson instructed him to terminate on-call doctor George Zahorian and notify him about forthcoming legal charges concerning steroid distribution.

This so-called "Tip-Off Memo" surfaced during her 2010 Senate campaign, posing challenges during both the primary and general election phases.

Federal steroid inquiry

Following the 2007 Benoit incident, the U.S. House Oversight Committee launched an investigation into steroid usage within professional wrestling. The probe targeted WWE and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), requesting documentation regarding their drug testing policies. Both McMahons appeared before the committee, revealing that since 2006 approximately 75 wrestlers—about 40%—had failed drug tests, mainly for steroids.

During a January 2010 appearance on CBS Face the State, McMahon indicated no further action was taken because extensive documents and testimonies had been submitted, asserting that the committee would be satisfied after reviewing WWE’s drug policies.

Transition to PG rating

In July 2008, WWE adjusted its television rating from TV-14 to TV-PG. At a UBS Media Conference in December 2008, McMahon explained this shift as a strategic marketing move aimed at attracting younger viewers and fostering brand loyalty. The adoption of the TV-PG rating resulted in prohibitions on chair shots to the head, sexual content, blood exposure, and offensive language.

Corporate impact

During the 1980s, WWF actively lobbied for deregulation of professional wrestling across states such as Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, California, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas. By the year 2000, less than half of U.S. states maintained athletic commissions regulating wrestling.

WWE classifies its performers as independent contractors rather than employees, which allows the company to avoid obligations like Social Security, Medicare contributions, and unemployment insurance payments. McMahon highlighted that wrestlers frequently negotiate lucrative contracts including merchandising rights, royalties, and appearance fees; many are represented by agents akin to those in other entertainment or sports sectors. The company also provides seminars designed to help wrestlers select appropriate health insurance coverage.

Under McMahon’s stewardship, WWE became one of Connecticut’s leading recipients of special tax incentives for film and television production. During her 2010 Senate run, she faced scrutiny over WWE receiving such tax credits despite workforce reductions in 2009.

On-screen appearances

While McMahon's main role centered on WWE executive duties, she made occasional appearances within storylines, first showing up on WWF programming during the Corporate Ministry storyline on the May 3, 1999, Raw episode amidst the Attitude Era. In an interview with Fox News, she revealed that she frequently discovered plot developments at the same time as viewers.

Contributions and recognitions

The McMahon family, through WWE, contributed $4 million in 2007 and $5 million in 2009 to the Donald J. Trump Foundation.<ref> Additionally, more than $8 million was donated in 2008 to organizations such as Fishburne Military School, Sacred Heart University, and East Carolina University, primarily for capital projects.<ref> In 2006, they financed a $2.5 million tennis center located in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. By 2010, McMahon held a position on the board of the Close Up Foundation, which facilitates educational trips for youth to Washington, D.C.<ref>

In November 2004, McMahon became a trustee at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.<ref> She has supported multiple charities including the USO, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, and the Starlight Children's Foundation.<ref> In 2005, she joined The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America National Advisory Council and was honored with the Arthur M. Sackler Award from the Connecticut Grand Opera and Orchestra for WWE's commitment to arts education.<ref>

On January 29, 2007, Multichannel News recognized McMahon as one of its "Wonder Women" for her influence within cable and telecommunications sectors.<ref> That same May, she delivered the keynote address at the Girl Scout Council of Southwestern Connecticut's Women of Achievement Leadership Breakfast; she is also an alumna of the Girl Scouts.<ref>

Under her guidance, WWE received the inaugural "Legacy of Hope" award from the USO of Metropolitan Washington for its support of American troops and Operation Care Package. In 2007, WWE was honored with the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award for its assistance to service members deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, followed by the GI Film Festival's Corporate Patriot Award in 2008.<ref>

On April 13, 2012, Sacred Heart University named a building on its Fairfield campus in her honor—the Linda E. McMahon Commons Building.<ref><ref>

Get R.E.A.L. initiative

McMahon spearheaded the Get R.E.A.L. campaign aimed at fostering education among youth by promoting literacy through public service announcements, posters, and bookmarks featuring WWE talent. In 2000, WWF’s Know Your Role poster topped sales charts for two months consecutively according to the American Library Association. Since 2006, thousands of posters showcasing WWE superstars have been distributed to libraries and reading centers nationwide.

SmackDown! Your Vote initiative

In August 2000, McMahon launched WWE’s nonpartisan voter registration effort titled "SmackDown! Your Vote," designed to engage voters aged 18 to 30 via online outreach, public service campaigns, and partnerships focused on youth voting. This program helped register 150,000 new voters during the 2000 election cycle and collaborated with MTV’s Choose or Lose campaign, Project Vote Smart, and Youth Vote 2000. By the time of the 2008 elections, it had established connections with fourteen voter registration partners and continued facilitating voter sign-ups online often alongside Rock the Vote.

Special Olympics

The McMahon family began their involvement with the Special Olympics in 1986, a connection sparked by Linda McMahon's relationships with NBC producer Dick Ebersol and actress Susan Saint James. In 1995, Connecticut Governor Lowell Weicker, whose son has developmental disabilities, appointed Linda McMahon to serve on the Governor's Council for the World Special Olympics.

Sexual abuse lawsuit

In October 2024, Linda McMahon, her husband, and WWE were named as defendants in a lawsuit alleging negligence tied to the ring boy scandal, which involved claims of sexual assault by WWE staff dating back to 1992. The complaint asserted that the McMahons cultivated an environment within WWE that enabled abuse. Legal proceedings were suspended in December 2024 due to ongoing challenges but resumed in February 2025. By April 2025, McMahon filed a motion seeking dismissal of the case and has categorically denied all accusations.

Connecticut Board of Education

In January 2009, Governor Jodi Rell appointed McMahon to the Connecticut State Board of Education. She held this position for one year, motivated by a longstanding passion for education and an original ambition to pursue teaching. During her vetting process, McMahon completed a questionnaire stating she earned an education degree from East Carolina University in 1969; however, her actual degree was in French.

Her tenure faced scrutiny from legislators regarding her prior role as WWE CEO. The State Senate confirmed her appointment with a vote of 34–1, while the House approved it 96–45. Some opposition stemmed from concerns that WWE’s content might conflict with educational values. Representative Bruce Morris questioned her qualifications in education, whereas John Hetherington advocated for the value of having an outsider on the board.

McMahon stepped down on April 1, 2010, following a ruling by the state election commission that prohibited board members from soliciting campaign donations. This resignation occurred months after she had entered the U.S. Senate race.

2010 U.S. Senate campaign

On September 16, 2009, Linda McMahon announced her bid for the U.S. Senate seat from Connecticut, committing up to $50 million of personal funds—ranking as the third-largest self-funded senatorial campaign in history. Running as a Republican, she focused on reducing taxes, promoting fiscal responsibility, and enhancing job opportunities. She presented herself as socially moderate, supporting abortion rights but opposing partial-birth abortion and federal abortion funding.

Her significant personal expenditure drew criticism from primary opponent and former congressman Rob Simmons, who accused her of attempting to "buy the election." While McMahon won the most delegate support at the party convention, Simmons qualified for the August 10 primary ballot and reentered the race shortly before voting day. A third candidate, Peter Schiff, was also on the ballot. McMahon ultimately won the primary but lost the general election to Democrat Richard Blumenthal by an 11.8-point margin.

2012 U.S. Senate campaign

Following her defeat in 2010 against Blumenthal, McMahon expressed intentions to run again in 2012. She maintained public presence through advertising campaigns and media engagements. Upon Joe Lieberman’s announcement that he would not seek reelection, McMahon became the leading Republican contender for that year’s Senate race.

McMahon officially launched her campaign on September 20, 2011, in Southington, Connecticut. At the Connecticut State Republican Convention on May 18, 2012, she secured party endorsement with 658 delegate votes compared to former congressman Chris Shays’s 351. Both candidates qualified for the August 14 primary election where McMahon defeated Shays by approximately three-to-one while investing $15.7 million of personal funds.

In the general election that followed, Democratic U.S. Representative Chris Murphy defeated McMahon, marking her second consecutive loss in a Senate contest.

Political donations

Following her unsuccessful election bids, McMahon shifted her efforts toward becoming a leading Republican donor and fundraiser. She provided financial support to organizations such as American Crossroads and the Ending Spending Fund, aligning herself with influential Republican contributor Paul Singer.

At the outset of the 2016 nomination cycle in early 2015, McMahon, Singer, and Charles R. Schwab participated in a gathering arranged by Joe Ricketts and his son Todd Ricketts near Jackson, Wyoming. This event brought together Republican donors who endorsed same-sex marriage and immigration reform initiatives.

After Donald Trump's 2007 appearance at WrestleMania 23, the McMahon family contributed $5 million to the Donald J. Trump Foundation, in addition to payments associated with the event itself. In 2016, McMahon donated $6 million to Rebuilding America Now, a Super PAC backing Trump's presidential bid, and provided $1.2 million during 2015–2016 to Future 45, a Super PAC financing advertisements opposing Bernie Sanders.

Nomination and approval

President-elect Donald Trump announced on December 7, 2016, his plan to nominate McMahon as head of the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Her confirmation hearing took place on January 24, 2017. The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship endorsed her nomination on February 1, 2017, with an 18–1 vote. The full Senate confirmed her on February 14, 2017, by a bipartisan margin of 81–19.

Service period

McMahon was officially sworn in as the SBA's 25th administrator on February 14, 2017.

Throughout 2017, she traveled to 68 cities to connect directly with small business proprietors and advocated for the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Marking her first year in office, The Washington Post acknowledged her efforts in improving SBA emergency call centers following Hurricane Harvey, recruiting an additional 3,000 employees, and modernizing the agency’s digital platforms.

In a June 2017 interview with CNBC, McMahon highlighted the SBA’s priorities: access to capital, business counseling, contract opportunities, and disaster assistance. She also addressed obstacles related to a five percent reduction in budget and plans to consolidate overlapping programs.

On March 29, 2019, McMahon declared her resignation effective April 12, 2019, intending to join President Trump’s campaign for reelection in 2020. Subsequently, she assumed the role of founding chairperson at the America First Policy Institute.

Fundraising efforts and second Trump transition (2019–2025)

Under McMahon’s leadership as chairperson, America First Action—a pro-Trump Super PAC—raised $83 million supporting Trump’s 2020 reelection. She also serves as chair of the board for the America First Policy Institute, working alongside vice chair Larry Kudlow, former director of the National Economic Council during Trump’s administration and host on Fox Business. Additionally, she partnered with Howard Lutnick as co-chair of Trump’s second presidential transition team.

Nomination and confirmation

On November 19, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump put forward McMahon as his choice to head the Department of Education in his upcoming term. Throughout her nomination process, she voiced strong advocacy for school choice initiatives and the expansion of charter schools in the United States.

Her nomination was assigned to the Senate HELP Committee on January 20, 2025. The confirmation hearing was held on February 13, 2025, followed by the committee’s narrow approval with a 12–11 vote on February 20. Subsequently, the full Senate confirmed her appointment as Secretary of Education on March 3, 2025, by a margin of 51–45.

Tenure

McMahon officially assumed office as the 13th United States Secretary of Education on March 3, 2025, with Jacqueline Clay administering the oath.

Electoral history

Primary

External links

• Secretary of Education Linda McMahon
• SBA Administrator Linda McMahon (former)
• Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets (2010)
• Campaign contributions at OpenSecrets (2012)