History of Linda McMahon in Timeline

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

October 4, 1948: Linda McMahon's Birth

On October 4, 1948, Linda Marie Edwards (later McMahon) was born. She became a business executive, politician, and professional wrestling promoter.

Others born on this day/year

August 26, 1966: Marriage to Vince McMahon

On August 26, 1966, Linda Edwards, at age 17, married Vince McMahon, who was 21.

1966: Enrolled at East Carolina University

In 1966, Linda McMahon enrolled at East Carolina University to obtain a bachelor's degree in French.

1968: Vince McMahon's job

In 1968, Vince worked as a traveling cup salesman before joining his father's company.

1969: False claim of having a bachelor's degree

Days after her resignation, the Hartford Courant reported that Linda McMahon falsely claimed on a questionnaire to have received a bachelor's degree in education from East Carolina University in 1969.

1969: False Claim of Education Degree

In 1969, Linda McMahon claimed to have a degree in education from East Carolina University, but her degree was actually in French.

1969: Moved to Gaithersburg, Maryland

In 1969, the McMahons relocated to Gaithersburg, Maryland, where Linda McMahon worked as a receptionist at a corporate law firm, translated French documents, trained as a paralegal, and studied intellectual property rights.

1970: Birth of Son Shane

In 1970, Linda and Vince McMahon's son, Shane McMahon, was born.

1971: Vince joined the World Wide Wrestling Federation

In 1971, Vince McMahon joined his father's company, the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWF).

1976: Birth of Daughter Stephanie

In 1976, Linda and Vince McMahon's daughter, Stephanie McMahon, was born.

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.

1979: Started Promoting Wrestling Events

In 1979, Vince McMahon decided to start promoting wrestling events at the Cape Cod Coliseum.

1980: Founded Titan Sports, Inc.

In 1980, Linda McMahon and her husband, Vince McMahon, founded Titan Sports, Inc., which later became World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. She served as president and later CEO.

1982: Purchased Capitol Wrestling

In 1982, Vince McMahon's Titan Sports, Inc. purchased Capitol Wrestling, the parent company of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

1983: Moved to Greenwich, Connecticut

In 1983, the McMahons moved to Greenwich, Connecticut.

1984: Established First Line of Action Figures

In 1984, Linda McMahon established the company's first line of action figures, Wrestling Superstars. This helped expand the company's popularity with children.

1986: Began Supporting Special Olympics

In 1986, the McMahons began supporting the Special Olympics.

1988: Dismissal of Mel Phillips

In 1988, Mel Phillips was dismissed for sexual misconduct, but rehired several weeks later under the condition that he "stop chasing after kids".

1989: Directed Firing of Physician

In 1989, Linda McMahon directed Pat Patterson to fire on-call physician George Zahorian and inform him of legal charges regarding steroid distribution.

1992: "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 after being accused of sexually assaulting young boys in the "ring boys" scandal.

1993: Became President of Titan Sports, Inc.

In 1993, Linda McMahon became the President of Titan Sports, Inc.

1995: Appointment to Governor's Council for the World Special Olympics

In 1995, Linda McMahon was appointed by Connecticut Governor Lowell Weicker to the Governor's Council for the World Special Olympics. Weicker's son is developmentally-disabled, and he met McMahon through the Special Olympics.

1997: Became CEO of Titan Sports, Inc.

In 1997, Linda McMahon became the CEO of Titan Sports, Inc.

May 3, 1999: Debuted on WWF TV

On May 3, 1999, Linda McMahon debuted on WWF TV during the Corporate Ministry storyline on Raw during the Attitude Era.

August 2000: Launched "SmackDown! Your Vote"

In August 2000, Linda McMahon initiated WWE's non-partisan voter registration campaign, "SmackDown! Your Vote", targeting the 18-to-30 voter demographic.

2000: Fewer States Regulating Wrestling

By 2000, after lobbying efforts in previous decades, fewer than half of the 50 states had athletic regulations on the wrestling industry.

2000: Launched 'GET REAL' campaign

In 2000, Linda McMahon launched 'GET REAL', a campaign aimed at delivering positive messages about education and literacy to young adults through public service announcements, posters, and bookmarks featuring WWE stars.

2000: Negotiated TV Deal with Viacom

In 2000, Linda McMahon was the primary negotiator for the World Wrestling Federation's TV deal with Viacom.

2000: Highest-Selling Poster

In 2000, the American Library Association reported the WWF's Know Your Role poster was its highest-selling poster for two straight months.

November 2004: Joined Board of Trustees

In November 2004, Linda McMahon became a member of the board of trustees of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

2005: Appointment to Advisory Council and Received Award

In 2005, Linda McMahon was appointed to The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America National Advisory Council and received the Arthur M. Sackler Award from the Connecticut Grand Opera and Orchestra for WWE's support of its arts education program.

2006: Wrestlers Tested Positive for Drug Use

In 2006, documents showed that 75 wrestlers from WWE had tested positive for drug use, most commonly for steroids.

2006: Paid for Construction of Tennis Facility

In 2006, the McMahons paid $2.5 million for the construction of a tennis facility in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania.

2006: Distributed Posters to Libraries

Since 2006, thousands of posters featuring WWE superstars have been distributed to libraries and reading facilities as part of the Get R.E.A.L. program.

January 29, 2007: Named Wonder Woman

On January 29, 2007, Multichannel News named Linda McMahon to its class of "Wonder Women" for 2007, recognizing her contributions to the cable and telecommunications industries.

May 2007: Keynote Speaker at Girl Scout Event

In May 2007, Linda McMahon appeared as the keynote speaker at the Girl Scout Council of Southwestern Connecticut's Women of Achievement Leadership Breakfast.

2007: Oversight Committee Investigated Steroid Usage

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

2007: Donation to Donald J. Trump Foundation

In 2007, following Donald Trump's appearance at WrestleMania 23, the McMahons donated $5 million to the Donald J. Trump Foundation.

2007: Received Legacy of Hope and Public Service Award

In 2007, under Linda McMahon's leadership, WWE received the USO of Metropolitan Washington's "Legacy of Hope" award and the Secretary of Defense Exceptional Public Service Award for its support of U.S. troops.

July 2008: WWE Changed TV Rating

In July 2008, WWE changed its TV parental guidelines rating from TV-14 to TV-PG.

December 2008: Described New Rating as Marketing Strategy

In December 2008, at a UBS Media Conference, Linda McMahon described the new TV-PG rating as a marketing strategy to attract younger fans and create loyalty to the brand, which resulted in a ban on chair shots to the head, sex scenes, blood, and vulgar language.

2008: Donations to Various Educational Institutions

In 2008, the McMahons donated over $8 million to the Fishburne Military School, Sacred Heart University, and East Carolina University.

2008: Received Corporate Patriot Award

In 2008, under Linda McMahon's leadership, WWE received the GI Film Festival's Corporate Patriot Award.

2008: Voter Registration

In the 2008 election, Smackdown Your Vote! registered many voters online, often in affiliation with Rock the Vote.

January 2009: Appointment to Connecticut State Board of Education

In January 2009, Linda McMahon was appointed to the Connecticut State Board of Education by Governor Jodi Rell.

September 16, 2009: Resigned as CEO of WWE

On September 16, 2009, Linda McMahon resigned from her position as CEO of WWE to run for a seat in the United States Senate from Connecticut.

2009: Appointment to the State Board of Education

Andrew Fleischmann, then-chairperson for the House Education Committee of Connecticut's House of Representatives, dealt in 2009 with the proposed appointment of Linda McMahon to the State Board of Education.

2009: Service on Connecticut Board of Education

In 2009, Linda McMahon began serving on the Connecticut Board of Education for one year.

2009: Left World Wrestling Entertainment

In 2009, Linda McMahon left World Wrestling Entertainment to pursue a seat in the United States Senate from Connecticut as a Republican.

2009: Layoffs in WWE

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

2009: Donation to The Donald J. Trump Foundation

In 2009, the McMahons donated $5 million to The Donald J. Trump Foundation through WWE.

January 20, 2010: Interview with CBS

On January 20, 2010, Linda McMahon was interviewed on CBS Face the State about steroid use in WWE and stated that she believed the thousands of documents and testimony furnished to the Oversight Committee would satisfy any concerns.

April 1, 2010: Resignation from State Board of Education

On April 1, 2010, Linda McMahon resigned from the Connecticut State Board of Education. This was because state law does not allow board members to solicit campaign contributions.

2010: Served on Board of Close Up Foundation

As of 2010, Linda McMahon served on the board of the Close Up Foundation, a nonprofit offering youth field trips to Washington, D.C.

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.

2010: Hartford Courant Article

In 2010, the Hartford Courant published an article about Linda McMahon's false claim of having a degree in education from East Carolina University in 1969.

September 20, 2011: Announcement of Senate Candidacy

On September 20, 2011, Linda McMahon officially announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Southington, Connecticut.

April 13, 2012: Dedicated Linda E. McMahon Commons Building

On April 13, 2012, Sacred Heart University officially dedicated and opened the Linda E. McMahon Commons Building on its main campus in Fairfield, Connecticut.

May 18, 2012: Endorsement by State Republican Party

On May 18, 2012, Linda McMahon earned the endorsement of the state Republican Party at the Connecticut State Republican Convention.

August 14, 2012: Defeat of Chris Shays in Primary

On August 14, 2012, Linda McMahon defeated Chris Shays in the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate.

2012: Hinted Run for Senate

Immediately after her loss to Blumenthal, in 2012, Linda McMahon hinted she would run again for Senate.

2012: Donation to Sacred Heart University

In 2012, Linda McMahon donated $5 million to Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, leading to the opening of the Linda E. McMahon Student Commons.

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.

2012: Examination of McMahon's Record

In December of 2012, The Wall Street Journal examined Linda McMahon's record in preparation for her facing United States Senate confirmation.

2015: Donation to Future 45

In 2015, Linda McMahon donated $1.2 million to Future 45, a Super PAC which funded anti-Bernie Sanders advertisements.

2015: Attended meeting of Republican donors

In 2015, Linda McMahon, along with Singer and Charles R. Schwab, attended a meeting of Republican donors near Jackson, Wyoming.

December 7, 2016: Nominated for Small Business Administration

On December 7, 2016, then president-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Linda McMahon as the administrator of the Small Business Administration.

2016: Donation to Rebuilding America Now

In 2016, Linda McMahon donated $6 million to Rebuilding America Now, a Super PAC with the purpose of electing Donald Trump as US president.

2016: Attended meeting of Republican donors

In 2016, Linda McMahon, along with Singer and Charles R. Schwab, attended a meeting of Republican donors near Jackson, Wyoming.

January 24, 2017: Senate Confirmation Hearing

On January 24, 2017, the Senate confirmation hearing began for Linda McMahon's nomination as administrator of the Small Business Administration.

February 14, 2017: Sworn in as Administrator of the SBA

On February 14, 2017, Linda McMahon was officially sworn in as the 25th Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

June 17, 2017: Interview with CNBC

On June 17, 2017, Linda McMahon stated in an interview with CNBC, that as administrator of SBA, the main goals of the SBA are capital, counseling, contracts and disaster relief.

2017: Administrator of the Small Business Administration

In 2017, Linda McMahon became the 25th Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

2017: Visited 68 cities to hear from small business owners

In 2017, Linda McMahon visited 68 cities to hear from small business owners and support the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 backed by President Trump.

January 29, 2018: First anniversary as head of the SBA

On January 29, 2018, The Washington Post reviewed Linda McMahon's first anniversary as head of the SBA, noting the improvements made to the SBA's offices' emergency call centers and online presence.

March 29, 2019: Stepped Down as SBA Administrator

On March 29, 2019, the Trump administration announced that Linda McMahon would be stepping down as the administrator of the Small Business Administration to take on new responsibilities within President Trump's reelection campaign.

April 12, 2019: Resignation as SBA Administrator

On April 12, 2019, Linda McMahon's resignation as administrator of the SBA took effect.

2019: Left the Small Business Administration

In 2019, Linda McMahon stepped down from her role as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

2019: Leaked Vetting Document

In 2019, a leaked vetting document from Trump's first transition team cited the "ring boys" scandal as a possible "red flag" against Linda McMahon.

2020: Chaired America First Action

In 2020, America First Action, a pro-Trump Super PAC chaired by Linda McMahon, helped raise $83 million for Trump's reelection campaign.

April 2023: Acknowledgment at Pioneer Scholarship Gala

In April 2023, Sacred Heart University acknowledged Linda McMahon at its Pioneer Scholarship Gala, which also raised funds for scholarships.

2023: Served on Board of Trustees

As of 2023, Linda McMahon had served for over 14 years on the Board of Trustees of Sacred Heart University.

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.

November 19, 2024: Nominated as Secretary of Education

On November 19, 2024, Donald Trump nominated Linda McMahon to serve as Secretary of Education.

January 20, 2025: Nomination Received in U.S. Senate

On January 20, 2025, Linda McMahon's nomination was received in the U.S. Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP).

January 30, 2025: Received Restricted Shares of Trump Media

On January 30, 2025, corporate filings stated Linda McMahon received 25,946 restricted shares of Trump Media, valued at over $800,000. She is an independent director of the social media corporation's board of directors.

February 13, 2025: Scheduled Nomination Hearing

Linda McMahon's nomination hearing was scheduled for February 13, 2025.

March 3, 2025: Confirmed as Secretary of Education

On March 3, 2025, Linda McMahon was confirmed by the United States Senate as Secretary of Education.

March 2025: First installment of restricted stock available

Approximately $200,000 (25% of the benefit) of the restricted stock became accessible immediately in March 2025.

2025: Appointed Secretary of Education

In 2025, Linda McMahon took office as the 13th United States Secretary of Education.

2025: Referral to Artificial Intelligence as A1

In 2025, while at ASU+GSV Summit on Education, Linda McMahon referred to Artificial Intelligence as A1, prompting the A1 sauce company to reply that every school should have access to A1 steak sauce.