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 business executive, politician, and former professional wrestling promoter. Known for her role in building WWE with her husband Vince McMahon, she transitioned into politics, serving as the 25th administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 and the 13th United States secretary of education in 2025. She is a member of the Republican Party.

Sections (4)

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

1969: False Claim of Education Degree

In 1969, Linda McMahon falsely claimed to have received a bachelor's degree in education from East Carolina University when her degree was actually in French.

1969: Incorrect Degree

In 1969, Linda McMahon incorrectly stated she graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Education.

1976: Filed for Bankruptcy

In 1976, Linda McMahon and her husband filed for bankruptcy after a series of failed business ventures and while she was pregnant with Stephanie.

1988: Dismissal and Rehiring of Mel Phillips

In 1988, Mel Phillips was initially dismissed from WWE for sexual misconduct but was rehired several weeks later under the condition that he cease pursuing children.

1989: Directed Firing of On-Call Physician

In 1989, Linda McMahon directed Pat Patterson to fire on-call physician George Zahorian and inform him of imminent legal charges for steroid distribution, as documented in a memo.

1992: WWE Personnel Resignations/Dismissals in "Ring Boys" Scandal

In 1992, multiple WWE personnel, including ring announcer Mel Phillips and executives Pat Patterson and Terry Garvin, either resigned or were dismissed following accusations of sexually assaulting young boys as part of the "ring boys" scandal.

2006: Drug policy documentation requested

In 2006, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee requested drug policy documentation from WWE and TNA following the Chris Benoit murder-suicide.

2007: Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigated steroid usage

In 2007, following the murder-suicide of Chris Benoit, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee investigated steroid usage in the wrestling industry, including WWE.

2009: Fleischmann's Quote

In 2009, Andrew Fleischmann dealt with the proposed appointment of McMahon to the State Board of Education.

2010: Hartford Courant Article Published

In 2010, The Hartford Courant published an article about Linda McMahon's incorrect statement about her degree.

2012: Examination of McMahon's Record

In 2012, as part of her campaign, McMahon's economic plan called for getting rid of outdated/ineffective and duplicative programs.

2019: Possible Red Flag Acknowledged

In 2019, a leaked vetting document from Donald Trump's first transition team listed the "ring boys" scandal as a possible "red flag" against Linda McMahon before her Small Business Administrator tenure.

October 2024: Named as Defendant in "Ring Boys" Scandal Lawsuit

In October 2024, Linda McMahon, her husband, and WWE were named as defendants in a lawsuit alleging negligence related to the "ring boys" scandal. The lawsuit claims the McMahons fostered a culture of sexual abuse within WWE, referencing the concurrent sex trafficking lawsuit and allegations in the Netflix documentary series Mr. McMahon.

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November 2024: New York Times Article

In late November 2024, The New York Times published an article questioning Linda McMahon's suitability for important education posts, citing her background with World Wrestling Entertainment and concerns about harm to children.