Challenges in the Life of Linda McMahon in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Linda McMahon faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Linda McMahon is an American politician and business executive, best known for her involvement in professional wrestling. She served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 and is currently the United States Secretary of Education since 2025. Prior to her political career, McMahon, along with her husband Vince, built WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) into a global entertainment empire. She ran for U.S. Senate in Connecticut in 2010 and 2012, but was unsuccessful. Her career spans both the business world and the political arena.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1976: Filed for Bankruptcy

In 1976, after failed business ventures, including Evel Knievel's Snake River Canyon Jump, and while pregnant with Stephanie, Linda McMahon and her husband filed for bankruptcy.

2009: Layoffs in WWE

In 2009, WWE received tax credits, while laying off workers.

2010: Criticized for Tax Credits and Layoffs

During her 2010 campaign, Linda McMahon's campaign was criticized for accepting tax credits from the WWE while laying off workers in 2009.

2010: Lost Senate Election

In 2010, Linda McMahon, as a Republican candidate, lost the general election for a seat in the United States Senate from Connecticut to Democrat Richard Blumenthal.

2010: "Tip-Off Memo" Became Public

In 2010, during her campaign for Senate, the memo directing the firing of a physician distributing steroids became publicly known as the "Tip-Off Memo" and was used as a political liability against Linda McMahon.

2012: Lost Another Senate Election

In 2012, Linda McMahon, as the Republican nominee, lost the race for Connecticut's other Senate seat to Democrat Chris Murphy.

October 2024: Named as defendant in "ring boys" lawsuit

In October 2024, Linda McMahon, her husband, and WWE were named as defendants in a lawsuit alleging negligence regarding the "ring boys" scandal. The lawsuit alleges the McMahons fostered a culture of sexual abuse within the WWE.

November 2024: New York Times article questioning suitability for education posts

In late November 2024, The New York Times published an article questioning Linda McMahon's suitability for important education posts, given her background with World Wrestling Entertainment.