Former Trump Education secretary lays out ‘unfinished business’ for new admin on school reforms
President-elect Donald Trump’s first Department of Education (DOE) secretary, Betsy DeVos, has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the position once again. However, if she does not secure the job, DeVos has some suggestions about who could be a good fit to continue the work Trump started in 2017.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, DeVos highlighted several Republican governors who have shown strong leadership in K-12 education and higher education. She believes that these individuals could effectively carry out the policies of a second Trump administration, which she says should prioritize returning control and power over education to states, local districts, and parents.
DeVos emphasized the importance of empowering families and redirecting federal education funding to states through block granting. She stressed that while the budget and investments in education should remain intact, the focus should be on eliminating bureaucratic obstacles and ensuring that funds reach those who need them most.
During Trump’s first term, DeVos was a vocal advocate for school choice policies and expanding school voucher programs. She also took steps to scale back federal oversight and programs in K-12 education, including civil rights investigations conducted by the DOE. DeVos believes that there is unfinished business from the first term, particularly in the area of education freedom policies that support families in making choices about their children’s education.
In contrast to Trump’s administration, President Biden has prioritized increasing funding for public schools, particularly in low-income areas, and pushing for college student debt relief. His Education Department is currently working to implement a new federal rule that would provide additional student loan forgiveness for millions of borrowers facing financial hardships.
DeVos expressed concerns about the current state of student lending, calling it a “huge mess” that needs to be reexamined. She believes that there should be more oversight and efficiency in how taxpayer-funded student lending is managed, suggesting that the private sector should play a role in providing lending options.
Overall, DeVos remains committed to advancing policies that prioritize choice and flexibility in education, and she believes that the new Congress is ready to address these important issues. As discussions continue about the future of education policy in the United States, it is clear that there are differing perspectives on how best to support students and families in achieving their educational goals.
