Who is Linda McMahon?
Linda McMahon was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the next Secretary of Education and was approved by Congress in March 2025. While she is widely known for her leadership in the business world, her experience in government and education policy is drawing national attention. McMahon will oversee federal education policy and initiatives that impact millions of K-12 students across the country, while at the same time navigating the President’s call to abolish the Department of Education.
Her background is unique compared to past education secretaries, blending business expertise with a commitment to educational policy reform. Whether you support her nomination or are still learning about her qualifications, ThinkFives compiled a list of key facts about Linda McMahon that teachers should know.
Fun Facts About Linda McMahon
Advocate for School Choice
Linda McMahon has been a strong advocate for school choice, aligning with a broader conservative push for alternatives to traditional public education. She has expressed support for charter schools and voucher programs, emphasizing the need to provide parents with more control over their children’s education. Her stance suggests she may prioritize policies that expand educational options beyond the traditional public school system.
Supporters argue that school choice creates more opportunities for students in underperforming districts, while critics worry about its impact on public school funding. As Secretary of Education, McMahon’s policies could significantly shape the future of school choice initiatives across the country.
Served on the Connecticut Board of Education
Though primarily known for her business career, McMahon has previous experience in education policy. In 2009, she was appointed to the Connecticut State Board of Education, where she served for a year. During her tenure, she advocated for curriculum improvements and voiced concerns about the challenges facing public schools.
At her confirmation hearing for the position, McMahon revealed that she had once considered a career in teaching before pivoting to the business world. Her brief but notable service on the Connecticut Board of Education suggests an interest in education policy that predates her nomination for Secretary of Education.
Former Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA)
From 2017 to 2019, McMahon led the Small Business Administration (SBA) under President Trump. As Administrator, she focused on initiatives that supported small businesses, especially in rural areas and among women and military veterans.
While the SBA is not directly tied to K-12 education, her tenure demonstrated her ability to manage a federal agency and allocate resources efficiently. Some believe her experience overseeing national economic programs could influence her approach to education policy, particularly regarding workforce development and career readiness programs in schools.
Early Career and Education
Born in North Carolina in 1948, Linda McMahon attended East Carolina University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree. Before entering the business world, she worked as a paralegal at a corporate law firm, gaining experience in legal and organizational management.
While she ultimately pursued business, her early career choices reflect an interest in structured systems and governance—skills that could influence her leadership style in the Department of Education.
Co-Founder and Former CEO of WWE
Perhaps McMahon’s most well-known accomplishment is co-founding and leading World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) alongside her husband, Vince McMahon. Under her leadership, WWE transformed from a small regional wrestling company into a global entertainment empire.
Her background in business management, branding, and corporate expansion is unparalleled among past education secretaries. While some critics argue that her corporate experience is unrelated to education policy, others believe her leadership skills and ability to run a large organization will be assets in managing the Department of Education.
What’s Next?
Linda McMahon’s nomination sparked conversations about the role of business leaders in educational policymaking. Her tenure as Secretary of Education could bring significant shifts in priorities, particularly regarding school choice and administrative efficiency.
What are your thoughts on Linda McMahon as a potential Secretary of Education? Do you think her business background will help or hinder her ability to lead the Department of Education? Let us know in the comments!
Her unswerving determination to follow Trump’s lead in bringing the Agency to its knees before pushing it over the cliff tells us all we need to know. Starving public schools, pushing children into Private Schools taught by Christian Nationalists and standardless home schooling and allowing states from the old confederacy to reinstate racism and white washed history is bad for America
As with the rest of the trump administration, incompetence and/or money are necessary prerequisites for any and all positions.