Linda McMahon To Run Pro-Trump Super PAC America First Action

Linda McMahon is leaving her position as head of the Small Business Administration to help raise money for President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, according to Politico.

McMahon, who announced her resignation last week, will be chairing America First Action, a primary pro-Trump super PAC expected to raise several hundred million dollars for Trump’s re-election efforts.

The leading contender for the position was thought to be former White House official Nick Ayers. Other candidates included Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft, pharmaceutical heir Kelly Craft and New York Jets owner Woody Johnson. McMahon had been seen by Trump administration officials as Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross’ replacement, according to the Politico story.

The super PAC had been searching for a savvy chair with deep big donor connections, a good fit for McMahon, who, together with her husband Vince, own World Wrestling Entertainment and have a reported net worth of $3.2 billion, according to Forbes. Over the years, the McMahons have donated millions to conservative campaigns and causes, including the Donald J Trump foundation.

McMahon stepped away from managing WWE to run for the Senate in deep-blue Connecticut, losing in 2010 and 2012 to Democrat Richard Blumenthal and Democrat Christopher Murphy, respectively, despite outraising each. Donald Trump contributed $5,000 to her candidacy, according to Open Secrets.

America First Action, the super PAC that McMahon will command, is affiliated with America First Policies, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that founded by Trump 2020 campaign manager Brad Parscale and several top Trump aides, according to the Associated Press. The super PAC disclosed receipts of nearly $40 million in 2018, with $10 million coming directly from Sheldon and Miriam Adelson.

Previously, America First was chaired by Tom Hicks Jr., who was tapped to co-chair the Republican National Committee in January. McMahon’s last day at the SBA is Apr. 12. Her replacement at the SBA has not yet been announced.