Betsy DeVos Resigns from Education Department

Former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has expressed her willingness to serve a second term in Donald Trump's administration if he wins the upcoming election, despite her resignation following the January 6 Capitol attack. In an interview with The Detroit News, DeVos, who resigned the day after the incident, labeled the attack as “unconscionable” and attributed the violence to Trump’s rhetoric. DeVos indicated that her return to the role would depend on specific conditions, although she doubted Trump would invite her back. She stated, “I would want to do so only if it was with the goal of phasing out the Department of Education,” reflecting her long-standing agenda to reduce the federal role in education. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of passing a significant education freedom bill, which would involve a tax credit mechanism through the Department of Treasury. During her tenure, DeVos, who lacked prior experience in education, championed controversial policies aimed at privatizing public schools, rolled back protections for transgender students, and supported the presence of firearms in schools. In her resignation letter, she highlighted her commitment to advocating for “the forgotten students” during the pandemic, despite the challenges faced. Despite her past criticisms of Trump, DeVos has reaffirmed her support for the Republican ticket, signaling a shift in her stance as she prepares for the potential of a second Trump administration.