Linda McMahon Takes Charge of the Agency Trump Vowed to Eliminate—Here’s What’s Next

Linda McMahon, a key ally of President-elect Donald Trump, has been appointed to lead a federal agency Trump had previously pledged to abolish during his campaign. McMahon, who co-led Trump’s transition team tasked with vetting personnel and drafting policies ahead of the November 5 election, was initially considered for the role of Commerce Secretary.

However, Trump announced on Tuesday that Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, would take the Commerce Department role instead. McMahon, a former wrestling executive and political figure, will now head the unnamed agency Trump criticized during his campaign. While he vowed to dismantle it, such a move would require congressional approval, making it an unlikely outcome.

The decision highlights Trump’s shift from campaign rhetoric to governance, as he assembles a team to implement his policy priorities. McMahon’s leadership role signals her continued influence in shaping the administration’s approach, even in an agency Trump once sought to eliminate.

Observers see the appointment as part of Trump’s broader strategy to place trusted allies in key positions while navigating the constraints of federal bureaucracy. As McMahon takes charge, all eyes will be on how she balances the agency’s mandate with Trump’s reform-focused agenda.