Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and a longtime ally, as his pick for education secretary.

McMahon, who served as the head of the Small Business Administration during Trump’s first term and contributed millions to his presidential campaigns, has been a key figure in Trump’s political and business circles. Announcing her nomination on Truth Social, Trump praised McMahon’s leadership, saying she would “use her decades of experience in education and business to empower the next generation of American students and workers.”

The nomination aligns with Trump’s critique of the Department of Education, which he has pledged to dismantle. McMahon would likely be tasked with leading that effort, as Trump emphasized her role in returning control of education to the states.

McMahon’s nomination follows other high-profile picks, including celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary. The appointments continue a pattern of Trump selecting loyal supporters for key cabinet roles.

While McMahon has little direct experience in education, she served on Connecticut’s state board of education from 2009 to 2010. She is also chair of the pro-Trump America First Policy Institute, bolstering her prospects for confirmation in the Republican-controlled Senate.

“For the past four years, as the Chair of the Board at the America First Policy Institute, Linda has been a fierce advocate for Parents’ Rights,” Trump said in his statement. He highlighted her commitment to “send education BACK TO THE STATES,” reinforcing his promise to significantly reshape federal education policy.