3/29/2019

CABINET/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/TRUMP PEOPLE: “Linda McMahon is stepping down as head of Small Business Administration to chair the pro-Trump super PAC America First Action, according to three people familiar with the move. Trump allies have spent weeks searching for someone to chair the super PAC, which officials view as a key plank in the president’s reelection campaign. The president’s top aides believe they will need to raise around $1 billion, and say the super PAC will be a major part of the effort. Brian Walsh, America First Action’s president, declined to comment. The president is expected to huddle with major donors on Saturday evening at Mar-a-Lago, according to two people familiar with the plans. Trump confirmed McMahon’s departure, which was first reported by POLITICO, during a press conference Friday afternoon at Mar-a-Lago…Trump administration officials had long seen McMahon as a leading contender to replace Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, who has repeatedly angered the president, when he eventually steps down. Acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney has also been eyeing the Commerce job and McMahon’s exit better positions him to replace Ross.”

Andrew Restuccia, Eliana Johnson, Alex Isenstadt and Daniel Lippman, “Linda McMahon to leave Cabinet for Trump 2020 PAC,” Politico, March 29, 2019 4:42 pm