PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The head of the Small Business Administration, Linda McMahon, is stepping down from the role and will help President Donald Trump’s re-election effort, he said Friday.
McMahon, who was tapped for the job by Trump in late 2016, said it had been an “honor” to serve. Her plans were first reported by Politico. A person familiar with her thinking who was not authorized to speak publicly said she was expected to join the Trump-supporting super PAC America First Action.
McMahon first backed New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for president. But she has known Trump for decades, and contributed $5 million to Trump’s family charity, almost all of it in 2007. He participated in WWE events, including a 2007 “Battle of the Billionaires,” during which he shaved Vince McMahon’s head.
The SBA, best known for the small business loans it makes and the disaster aid it provides to companies and entrepreneurs, is also tasked with monitoring government officials’ compliances with contract laws.