When Betsy DeVos was appointed as Secretary of Education by President Donald Trump in 2017, her nomination was met with fierce opposition. A billionaire philanthropist with no formal background in public education, DeVos was known for her strong support of school choice, charter schools, and vouchers. Trump, in turn, praised her as someone who could “fix” the nation’s educational system. However, her tenure at the helm of the Department of Education was marked by controversy, policy shifts, and legal battles that left many questioning her effectiveness.

One of DeVos’ most controversial actions was her push to expand charter schools and school voucher programs. Critics argued that these initiatives drained public school funding and disproportionately benefited wealthier families while leaving traditional public schools underfunded. In addition to the increase in charter schools, DeVos advocated for deregulation and less oversight, which many felt put students at risk.

Under her leadership, the Department of Education rolled back numerous Obama-era policies aimed at protecting students, including guidance on protecting transgender students and rules intended to hold for-profit colleges accountable for defrauding students. These actions led to a wave of lawsuits from advocacy groups, and DeVos faced mounting pressure to address the growing concerns from parents, educators, and civil rights organizations.

DeVos also led efforts to cut federal education funding. Despite the Trump administration’s promises to prioritize education, funding for schools was slashed in favor of tax cuts for the wealthy and defense spending. Her policies were seen by many as benefiting the privatization of education at the expense of public schools and students’ needs.

While DeVos remained a staunch advocate for her vision, her time in office was marked by instability and backlash. Public school advocates, teachers’ unions, and many parents felt that she did little to improve the system that serves the majority of American students. Instead, she was viewed as a proponent of policies that prioritized profit over the public good.

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