Report: Linda McMahon Gave Florida $18.5 Million On Same Day WWE Is Deemed “Essential”

WWE’s decision to restart taping live shows instead of pre-taped shows came just a day after Linda McMahon’s Super PAC gave $18.5 million to the state of Florida.

The Super PAC, something McMahon is using to try and help re-elect President Trump, committed the money to Florida on April 9, the same day WWE was deemed an business by the state. A day after on April 10, WWE decided to restart airing live shows rather then pre-taped ones.

.@StephanieCNews and I pieced together this timeline regarding #WWE:

April 9: DeSantis qualifies WWE as essential. Same day, Linda McMahon’s re-elect Trump Super PAC commits $18.5 million to Florida.

April 10: Vince McMahon reportedly made decision to tape live in Orlando. https://t.co/lmyomQUmSp

— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) April 14, 2020

.@MyNews13 #Watchdog investigation: why is @WWE holding live television in Orlando while other pro sports leagues have suspended events nationwide during COVID-19 pandemic? @GovRonDeSantis office sent me statement- professional sports are “critical to Florida’s economy”. 1/1

— Stephanie Coueignoux (@StephanieCNews) April 14, 2020

I have asked how @WWE is “critical to Florida’s economy”: no audience, only essential personnel- what revenue is being generated and if so- how is it benefiting Florida residents and taxpayers? I’m waiting on @GovRonDeSantis office to respond. @MyNews13 #n13covid19

— Stephanie Coueignoux (@StephanieCNews) April 14, 2020

Could politics be in play for @WWE to be deemed essential personnel? We have asked @GovRonDeSantis office about this. @Linda_McMahon is wife of @WWE CEO @VinceMcMahon. She served on @POTUS Cabinet & now runs Pro-Trump Superpac “America F1rst Action”. @WWE live tv is in Orlando. pic.twitter.com/7VZTxgLCW6

— Stephanie Coueignoux (@StephanieCNews) April 14, 2020

Officials had previously stated that the decision to hold WWE shows in the state was that it was critical to Florida’s economy.

WWE has since released this statement, defending its decision.

“We believe it is now more important than ever to provide people with a diversion from these hard times. We are producing content on a closed set with only essential personnel in attendance following appropriate guidelines while taking additional precautions to ensure the health and wellness of our performers and staff. As a brand that has been woven into the fabric of society, WWE and its Superstars bring families together and deliver a sense of hope, determination, and perseverance.”

Make of all of this what you will.

• florida
• linda mcmahon
• wrestling
• wwe

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