Seven years ago today, Betsy DeVos, a school choice activist and Republican mega-donor with zero experience in public schools, was confirmed as secretary of Education in the Trump administration. DeVos’ wealth, influence in the school choice movement, and strong loyalty to Donald Trump created a perfect storm for her nomination, despite lacking the qualifications to run the Department of Education.
In response to the anniversary of DeVos’ confirmation, American Bridge 21st Century Presidential Campaigns Communications Director, Brandon Weathersby, released the following statement:
“It’s hard to believe that Trump’s secretary of Education had zero experience in public schools, even as a student, but he will always value loyalty over competence. DeVos blindly executed Trump’s education agenda by ending important student protections and supporting his proposals to cut billions in education funding. Without a doubt, a second Trump presidency would install another loyalist who would push even harder to eliminate federal education funding for public schools.”
Trump’s awful record on education as president:
- The Trump administration proposed massive cuts to education funding in each budget.
- The 2018 education budget proposal cut the Department of Education’s funding by 13.5%.
- The 2019 education budget proposal cut the Department of Education’s funding by $7.1 billion.
- The 2020 education budget proposal slashed federal funding for public schools by 10%.
- Trump’s 2018 education budget proposed a shift of $1.4 billion toward expanding charter and private-school vouchers.
- Trump’s Department of Education scaled back on civil rights investigations, eliminated protections for transgender students, and illegally delayed a rule requiring students of color be disciplined in the same manner as their peers.
- DeVos called protections for transgender children and students “a very huge example” of overreach.
- Trump’s administration eliminated rules that protected students from predatory practices of for-profit colleges, such as Trump’s own.
- Trump’s education department rolled back a rule requiring schools to disclose graduate earnings and debt.
- Trump’s education department rescinded the borrower defense rule, making it harder for defrauded students to have their debt erased.
- Trump’s Department of Education rescinded protections for victims of campus sexual assault.
Published: Feb 7, 2024 | Last Modified: Feb 21, 2024