Ex WWE Executive Linda McMahon appointed Secretary of Education by President Trump

Linda McMahon. (Courtesy)

US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Linda McMahon, billionaire professional wrestling mogul, as the new Secretary of Education.

McMahon, 76, is not new when it comes to working with Trump, having previously served as the head of the Small Business Administration under Trump’s first term and has long been a staunch supporter of the former president’s policies. Her appointment is part of Trump’s broader initiative to shift federal responsibilities for education to state governments.

While her educational qualifications are not extensive, her substantial leadership experience in business and politics positions her as a pivotal figure in advancing Trump's education reform agenda. She was a member of the Connecticut Board of Education for one year beginning in 2009 and has dedicated several years to serving on the board of trustees at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.

Initially, she attended college to train as a French teacher, but she subsequently joined her husband as a co-founder and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, where she played a pivotal role in transforming the brand into a multibillion-dollar business over the years.

Trump described McMahon as a "fierce advocate for Parents' Rights" and pledged to send Education Back to the States.

“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, and make America Number One in Education in the World,” Trump said in a statement announcing her selection. “We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort.”

She ran twice for a U.S. Senate seat in Connecticut, but lost in 2010 to Richard Blumenthal and in 2012 to Chris Murphy.