Linda McMahon, the current Secretary of Education, has garnered significant attention in recent days with her strong stance against Harvard University. In a scathing letter, McMahon called Harvard a "mockery" and vowed to cut off all federal grant funding, showcasing her aggressive approach to educational institutions.

McMahon's journey to her current position began when she was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of Education on November 19, 2024. She was subsequently confirmed by the Senate on March 3, 2025, with a vote of 51-45. Prior to this role, McMahon served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019 during Trump's first term.

During her tenure at the SBA, McMahon was known for setting high expectations. Former colleagues recall her commanding presence, with one remembering how she "slapped the table and said, 'There's going to be one conversation in this room and it's mine,'" immediately establishing her authority. Despite coming from the private sector without federal government experience, McMahon was willing to invest time to understand the public sector's unique challenges.

McMahon's leadership style at the SBA was characterized by a listening-first approach. She spent her first 90 days on the job engaging with small businesses, employees, and advocates to gain a comprehensive understanding of the agency's strengths and weaknesses. During her tenure, she expanded educational opportunities for women entrepreneurs by helping take brick-and-mortar programs online.

In her current role as Education Secretary, McMahon has aligned herself with Trump's controversial plan to dismantle the Department of Education, stating that "it's not working." Her confirmation hearing in February 2025 occurred amid an aggressive effort by the Trump administration to shrink the Education Department's footprint, with dozens of employees placed on administrative leave.

The SBA itself is currently undergoing significant changes, announcing a major reorganization on March 21, 2025. This restructuring will reduce the agency's workforce by 43%, eliminating what the current administration describes as "the expansive social policy agenda of the prior Administration" and returning to pre-pandemic staffing levels.

McMahon's background includes leadership roles beyond government service. Before her time in public office, she was a business and wrestling executive, co-founding what would become World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) with her husband Vince McMahon. Her education experience includes serving on the Connecticut State Board of Education in 2009 and as a trustee at Sacred Heart University, a private Catholic institution in Connecticut.

**Podcast Episode Description: Insights into Linda McMahon's Leadership at the Small Business Administration and Her New Role in Education**

Welcome to Episode 101 of "The Administrator of the Small Business Administration Podcast," hosted by Mortimer. Tune in as we explore the impactful tenure of Linda McMahon, the former Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), and her recent transition to U.S. Secretary of Education.

In this episode, we delve into the key aspects of McMahon’s leadership at the SBA from 2017 to 2019, where her entrepreneurial background played a pivotal role. Discover how her advocacy for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, expansion of educational resources for women entrepreneurs, and enhanced disaster response capabilities left a lasting imprint on America's small business landscape.

Uncover the significant news as Linda McMahon steps into her new role in education, confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Education for President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. We explore how her focus on workforce development and practical education solutions promises to shape educational policy in the years to come.

Learn about the ongoing legacy of the SBA, under the leadership of Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, and the agency’s efforts in COVID-19 recovery, equity initiatives, and modernizing processes for small business support across the United States.

Join us as we reflect on McMahon's transition from business to education, the evolving role of the SBA Administrator, and the critical connection between small businesses and economic growth. Don’t miss this insightful discussion packed with leadership lessons and forward-looking perspectives on entrepreneurship and education.

Subscribe to "The Administrator of the Small Business Administration Podcast" for more in-depth conversations on leadership, policy, and economic impact. Produced by Quiet Please Productions, visit quietplease.ai for more information.

In a surprising turn of events, Linda McMahon is no longer serving as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. She was confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Education on March 3, 2025, by a Senate vote of 51-45, marking a significant career shift for the former wrestling executive.

The Small Business Administration is now headed by Kelly Loeffler, who released a "Day One" memo on February 24, 2025, outlining her priorities for the agency. Loeffler's memo emphasizes rooting out fraud, particularly addressing an estimated $200 billion in pandemic-era fraud that allegedly went unaddressed during the previous administration. The SBA under Loeffler has established a Fraud Working Group and plans to appoint a Fraud Czar to identify and recover criminally obtained funds.

Loeffler's SBA is also focusing on implementing President Trump's executive orders, mandating that non-exempt employees return to full-time office work, and collaborating with the Department of Government Efficiency. One controversial move includes plans to relocate regional offices currently based in what the memo refers to as "sanctuary cities" to "less costly, more accessible locations in communities that comply with federal immigration law."

Meanwhile, McMahon has quickly made her mark at the Department of Education. On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing McMahon to "facilitate" the closure of the 45-year-old Education Department. This aligns with McMahon's confirmation hearing pledge to maintain school funding even as she works toward ending the department.

In a recent development on April 8, 2025, while defending Education Department cuts, McMahon told ed-tech entrepreneurs that it's time to "do something different," expressing her desire to cut bureaucracy while ensuring key federal funds continue flowing to schools.

McMahon's transition from the SBA to Education Secretary builds on her previous government experience. She initially joined the Trump administration in 2017 as SBA Administrator, where she earned praise from colleagues for her ability to listen and learn from subject-matter experts. Former associates Barb Carson and Pradeep Belur have noted that these skills will serve her well in her new role at the Education Department.

Most recently, on May 7, 2025, McMahon made headlines with a scathing letter to Harvard University, calling the institution a "mockery" and threatening to cut off all federal grant funding, further demonstrating her willingness to take bold positions in her new role.

Linda McMahon, once recognized for her tenure as Administrator of the Small Business Administration during the Trump administration, has recently returned to the national stage with a prominent role in government. In early 2025, President Donald Trump nominated McMahon to lead the U.S. Department of Education, a move that followed her previous record of setting high expectations and emphasizing accountability during her time at the SBA. Colleagues from her SBA leadership described her as assertive and focused, dedicated to understanding and improving public sector efficiency by listening to stakeholders across small business communities.

During her 2017-2019 term as SBA Administrator, McMahon prioritized empowering entrepreneurs and actively sought input from agency employees, small business owners, and advocates to identify opportunities for reform and program expansion. While leading the SBA, she supported innovations such as the digital extension of a women’s entrepreneurship program, laying groundwork for broader access to education and resources.

Although McMahon has since transitioned to the Department of Education, her influence persists within the SBA. In March 2025, the agency announced a sweeping reorganization that echoes many of the principles she emphasized. The new strategy, aligned with an executive order, involves reducing the workforce by 43 percent, eliminating positions created for pandemic response, and shifting resources to focus on core missions like supplying capital, fostering innovation, and supporting veteran-owned businesses and American manufacturing. These changes are designed to restore pre-pandemic operational levels, reduce wasteful spending, and reinforce the agency’s foundational objective of supporting small business growth rather than broader social policy agendas. Key accountability offices remain exempt from these cuts to ensure ongoing oversight and integrity.

McMahon’s commitment to efficiency and results-focused management continues to guide the SBA as it decentralizes services, expands disaster response capability, and prioritizes risk management and fraud prevention by centralizing those functions. The agency’s reorganization has been framed as a turnaround aimed at making the SBA a more dynamic and effective champion for small businesses, job creation, and economic resilience.

While McMahon is now recognized as the U.S. Secretary of Education, her SBA leadership established policies and expectations that have shaped the agency’s latest reforms, setting a trajectory for streamlined operations and a renewed focus on supporting the nation’s small businesses. Her legacy is marked by a willingness to challenge established norms, demand accountability, and empower both staff and entrepreneurs to meet new challenges in a rapidly changing economic environment.

Linda McMahon is no longer serving as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration. She has transitioned to a new role as the Secretary of Education under President Trump's second administration.

McMahon was confirmed as Education Secretary on March 3, 2025, following a Senate vote of 51-45 along party lines. She previously served as the SBA Administrator during Trump's first term, where colleagues praised her leadership style and ability to learn from subject-matter experts.

In her new capacity as Education Secretary, McMahon is currently engaged with President Trump's fiscal year 2026 "skinny budget." On May 2, 2025, just two days ago, she issued a statement regarding this budget proposal, though specific details of her statement have not been widely reported.

McMahon's confirmation as Education Secretary earlier this year was contentious. During her confirmation hearing in February, which was interrupted by protesters concerned about student protections, she pledged to maintain school funding even as she works toward the Trump administration's goal of dismantling the Department of Education.

On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing McMahon to "facilitate" the closure of the Department of Education. The administration has already made cuts to department staff, programs, and research, though completely shuttering the department would require an act of Congress, as it was established legislatively in 1979.

In early April, McMahon defended the Education Department cuts, stating it was time to "do something different." She also expressed a desire to cut bureaucracy while ensuring that key federal funds continue to flow to schools.

The current SBA Administrator is Kelly Loeffler, who issued a "Day One" memo on February 24, 2025, outlining her priorities. These include implementing Trump administration initiatives, mandating full-time in-office work for non-exempt employees, and working with the Department of Government Efficiency to improve accountability and transparency. Loeffler has established a Fraud Working Group and plans to appoint a Fraud Czar to address an estimated $200 billion in pandemic-era fraud. The SBA under Loeffler is also focusing on preventing "hostile foreign nationals" from accessing SBA assistance, with particular emphasis on restricting those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

**Episode Description: Unpacking Linda McMahon's Transformative Legacy as SBA Administrator**

Tune into this exciting episode of The Administrator of the Small Business Administration Podcast, where our host, Mortimer, offers an insightful exploration of Linda McMahon’s impactful tenure as SBA Administrator. Discover how McMahon, a powerhouse from the entertainment industry with a remarkable track record at WWE, brought her unique private-sector perspective to the forefront of small business policy and executive leadership.

**Episode Highlights:**

- **Introduction to Linda McMahon**: Learn about McMahon's transition from WWE co-founder to government executive and why her leadership at the SBA has been a focal point of attention.

- **Entrepreneurial Empowerment**: Delve into McMahon’s initiatives to boost access to capital, expand federal contracting, and enhance disaster relief for small businesses nationwide.

- **Modernization & Digital Transformation**: Understand how McMahon’s drive for digital accessibility laid the groundwork for the SBA's enhanced online resources and tools for entrepreneurs.

- **Policy Impact & Advocacy**: Explore her support for the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the implications for small business growth and economic opportunity.

- **Leadership & Legacy**: Assess how McMahon's listening skills, efficiency-driven approach, and advocacy for women in business resonated with entrepreneurs and critics alike.

- **Ongoing Influence**: Connect McMahon's legacy to current SBA priorities under Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman and see how her trajectory continues to shape public policy as Secretary of Education.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, small business owner, or a policy enthusiast, this episode provides a deep dive into the strategic decisions and policies that continue to influence America's business landscape. Listen now for expert analysis and a fresh perspective on SBA leadership!

🔗 **Subscribe Now:** Stay updated with The Administrator of the Small Business Administration Podcast for more expert insights on the pivotal roles shaping small business policy. Brought to you by Quiet Please Productions. Visit [quietplease.ai](http://quietplease.ai) for more information.

Linda McMahon, currently serving as the United States Secretary of Education since March 3, 2025, has been making headlines with her efforts to implement President Trump's directive to dismantle the Department of Education. McMahon, who previously served as the Administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019, has fully embraced the president's vision, stating during her confirmation hearing that the education department "is not working" and that education matters are "best handled at the state level."

In recent developments, on March 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing McMahon to "facilitate" the closure of the 45-year-old agency. Following this directive, McMahon has been actively working to prepare the department for shutdown, telling lawmakers she believes the agency is responsible for a "small minority of the funding" but "the vast majority of bureaucracy and red tape" in the U.S. education system.

On March 21, 2025, President Trump announced a plan to move the $1.7 trillion student loan portfolio from the Education Department to the Small Business Administration. McMahon confirmed in a Fox News interview that she is collaborating with the SBA on a strategic plan for this transition. This move has raised concerns among experts who note that federal law currently requires the Education Department to manage student loans, suggesting the president may not have the authority to make such a change unilaterally.

More recently, on April 8, 2025, McMahon defended the Education Department cuts while speaking to ed-tech entrepreneurs, emphasizing her desire to cut bureaucracy while maintaining key federal funds to schools. "It's time to do something different," she stated.

McMahon's background includes significant experience in business leadership as a former professional wrestling promoter with WWE. During her previous tenure as SBA Administrator, she was known for setting high expectations and bringing a private-sector perspective to government operations. Former colleagues praise her ability to listen and learn from subject-matter experts, skills they believe will serve her well in her current role.

The confirmation process for McMahon was contentious, with the Senate ultimately approving her nomination on March 3, 2025, by a vote of 51-45. Throughout her confirmation hearing, McMahon faced tough questioning about her plans to dismantle the Education Department, but maintained her alignment with the president's vision for reducing the federal role in education.

As McMahon continues in her role, she faces the complex task of balancing the president's directive to close the department with ensuring vital educational services and funding remain accessible to American students.

**Title: Unveiling Linda McMahon's Impact on the Small Business Administration - A Deep Dive**

**Description:**

Join host Mortimer in this captivating episode of *The Administrator of the Small Business Administration Podcast* as we explore the transformative leadership of Linda McMahon, the 25th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Appointed by President Donald Trump, McMahon leveraged her entrepreneurial prowess from her days leading World Wrestling Entertainment to redefine the SBA from February 2017 through April 2019.

In this episode, we uncover how Linda McMahon's unique, business-oriented approach revitalized the SBA, focusing on six key impact areas: access to capital, modernization and technology, disaster response, regulatory relief, outreach and engagement, and her enduring legacy. Discover how McMahon expanded the SBA’s flagship 7(a) Loan Program, ensuring entrepreneurs in rural and underserved areas had vital funding opportunities. Learn about her strides toward digital transformation, which would later prove essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her proactive disaster response strategies that enhanced SBA’s agility.

We also delve into her efforts in regulatory relief, her groundbreaking outreach initiative, the Ignite Tour, which took her across all 50 states, and her support for underserved groups like veteran and women entrepreneurs. McMahon’s leadership style—one of efficiency, directness, and engagement—stands in stark contrast to her predecessors, yet her initiatives continue to benefit small businesses to this day.

This episode is perfect for business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in government policy or leadership. Tune in for an insightful look at how Linda McMahon's vision and reforms continue to shape the SBA and the small business landscape in America.

**Keywords:** Linda McMahon, Small Business Administration, SBA, entrepreneurship, access to capital, business modernization, disaster response, regulatory relief, veteran entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs, Ignite Tour, digital transformation, small business loans, government leadership.

Don't miss out—subscribe to *The Administrator of the Small Business Administration Podcast* for more deep dives into SBA leadership and strategies that propel American small businesses forward. Presented by Quiet Please Productions.

**Podcast Episode Description: Diving into Linda McMahon's Legacy at the Small Business Administration**

Welcome to a riveting episode of The Administrator Watch! Join your host Mortimer as we delve into the impactful tenure of Linda McMahon, the 25th Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Unpacking her dynamic background, from co-founding World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to leading the SBA during the Trump administration, we explore how her unique business insights continue to influence today's small business landscape.

In this episode, we focus on McMahon’s legacy through her advocacy for regulatory reform, disaster recovery initiatives, and increased capital access, especially for women entrepreneurs. Discover how her hands-on Ignite Tour and emphasis on modernization left lasting effects on disaster preparedness and digital resource expansion, paving the way for current SBA operations. We also examine her ongoing role as chair of America First Action, advocating for small business recovery in a post-pandemic economy.

Explore the numbers that matter: from McMahon’s record-setting $30 billion in annual SBA loans to her unprecedented outreach visiting all 68 district offices. Learn how her practical business experience shaped policies, driving regulatory ease and championing entrepreneurial growth against modern challenges like inflation and supply chain disruptions.

Tune in for an in-depth analysis of McMahon’s influence on SBA leadership, policies, and the vital supports that continue to evolve under current Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.

Subscribe to The Administrator Watch for more insights into SBA dynamics and leadership. This episode is a Quiet Please production. For more, visit quietplease.ai.

Linda McMahon, recognized for her tenure as the 25th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, has not been making recent headlines related to the SBA in the last few days. McMahon, who previously served in the Trump administration from 2017 to 2019, was widely known for advocating for the nation’s small businesses, highlighting the important roles entrepreneurship and access to capital play in the country’s economy. Her leadership at the SBA emphasized disaster response improvements, expanding federal contracting opportunities, and mentoring programs for small business owners.

After stepping down as SBA administrator in 2019 to chair a pro-Trump political action committee, McMahon has since shifted to other public service roles and private sector involvements. Recently, her name has emerged prominently in a different context—she has become President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Education. Various reports in the past few days have focused on her nomination and confirmation processes for this new role. There has been extensive discussion in the media about her management style, leadership at the SBA, and background as an entrepreneur and former CEO of WWE.

Those familiar with McMahon describe her as a hard-working and pragmatic leader, adept at leveraging teams of experts and quickly adapting to shifting priorities. Critics, meanwhile, have voiced skepticism about her qualifications for the education secretary post, pointing more to her business and entertainment leadership track record than direct experience in education.

During her time at the SBA, McMahon was credited with intensifying outreach to small business owners nationwide, promoting the effects of legislation such as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and speaking directly to the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in access to capital and federal resources. She also prioritized the agency’s responsiveness to natural disasters, ensuring small business owners received timely support to rebuild and recover after crisis events.

No major recent decisions, policy changes, or controversies have come to light regarding McMahon’s tenure or actions related to the SBA in the past few days. Instead, the focus has clearly shifted to her expected leadership at the Department of Education and the debates surrounding the possible restructuring or dissolution of that agency under the new administration. In summary, while Linda McMahon’s recent news coverage has shifted away from the Small Business Administration, her legacy as administrator remains defined by a pragmatic focus on supporting small businesses, disaster recovery improvements, and advocacy for expanded entrepreneurial opportunities.