Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Linda McMahon: Donald Trump to name former WWE CEO to head Small Business Administration

Ms McMahon ran the professional wrestling organsiation from 1997 to 2009 before entering the world of politics

Feliks Garcia
New York
Wednesday 07 December 2016 17:50 EST
Linda McMahon spoke with reporters after meeting at Trump Tower
Linda McMahon spoke with reporters after meeting at Trump Tower (Drew Angerer/Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump will nominate former WWE chief executive Linda McMahon to head the Small Business Administration.

Ms McMahon was initially believed to be in line for the role of Commerce Secretary, but that title went to "King of Bankruptcy" Wilbur Ross last week.

Although choosing Ms McMahon, who is well known for co-founding the WWE with her husband Vince McMahon. She served as CEO of the professional wrestling company from 1997 to 2009.

"Linda has a tremendous background and is widely recognised as one of the country's top female executives advising businesses around the globe," the President-elect said in the announcement.

Ms McMahon initially campaigned for New Jersey Gov Chris Christie before switching over her support for the New York businessman. She was also critical of Mr Trump following the release of tapes that captured him bragging about sexually assaulting women.

Following her tenure with the WWE, Ms McMahon served on the Connecticut Board of Education in 2009. She stepped down from the role a year later to embark on an unsuccessful Senate campaign.

Mr Trump has been involved with the WWE as both a businessman and an entertainer for more than two decades.

Wrestlemanias IV and V were held at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, earning the President-elect a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame. No other US President has earned the unique distinction.

In 2007, Mr Trump faced off against Vince McMahon in Wrestlemania XXIII. In the bout, Mr Trump body-slammed and shaved the head of McMahon – shortly before "Stone Cold" Steve Austin took down the incoming president.

The Hartford Post and Courier reported that the McMahons have donated millions to the Trump Foundation – $5m in 2007 and 2009. It remains the largest donation for the organisation.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in