Betsy DeVos

Betsy DeVos is a renowned American businesswoman, philanthropist, and former United States Secretary of Education, serving under President Donald Trump from 2017 to 2021. She is known for her advocacy of school choice, voucher programs, and charter schools, which has been supported by organizations such as the Heritage Foundation and opposed by groups like the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers. DeVos has been a prominent figure in Republican Party politics, particularly in her home state of Michigan, where she has been involved with the Michigan Republican Party and has supported candidates like Rick Snyder and Terri Lynn Land. Her policies have been influenced by thinkers such as Milton Friedman and Friedrich Hayek, and she has been a vocal critic of the Common Core State Standards Initiative.

● Early Life and Education

Betsy DeVos was born Elisabeth Prince on January 8, 1958, in Holland, Michigan, to Edgar Prince and Elsa Prince Broekhuizen. She grew up in a wealthy family and was educated at Holland Christian Schools and later at Calvin College, where she studied business administration and political science. During her time at Calvin College, she was involved with the College Republicans and developed an interest in politics, which was influenced by figures like Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. DeVos's family has been active in Republican Party politics, with her father, Edgar Prince, being a prominent Republican donor and her brother, Erik Prince, being the founder of Blackwater Worldwide.

● Career

Before becoming United States Secretary of Education, DeVos was a successful businesswoman and philanthropist, serving as the chairwoman of the Windquest Group, a private investment and management firm founded by her and her husband, Dick DeVos. She was also involved with the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation, which has supported various charitable organizations, including the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and the United Way. DeVos has been a member of the Board of Directors of several organizations, including the American Enterprise Institute, the Heritage Foundation, and the Foundation for Excellence in Education, which was founded by Jeb Bush. Her business career has been influenced by her involvement with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business.

● Secretary of Education

As United States Secretary of Education, DeVos was a key figure in the Trump administration's efforts to reform the United States Department of Education. She was a strong advocate for school choice and voucher programs, which was supported by organizations like the Cato Institute and opposed by groups like the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the American Association of School Administrators. DeVos also played a role in the development of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2015. Her policies were influenced by the No Child Left Behind Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, and she worked closely with Congress to implement education reform, including working with lawmakers like Lamar Alexander and Patty Murray.

● Political Activities

DeVos has been active in Republican Party politics for many years, serving as the chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party from 1996 to 2000 and again from 2003 to 2005. She has been a strong supporter of conservative candidates, including George W. Bush, Mitt Romney, and Donald Trump. DeVos has also been involved with various political action committees, including the American Federation for Children and the All Children Matter, which have supported school choice and voucher programs. Her political activities have been influenced by her involvement with the Federalist Society and the National Rifle Association.

● Personal Life

DeVos is married to Dick DeVos, a businessman and former Republican candidate for Governor of Michigan. The couple has four children and several grandchildren. DeVos is a Christian and has been involved with various Christian organizations, including the Christian Reformed Church in North America and the Council for National Policy. Her personal life has been influenced by her faith and her involvement with the Hudson Institute and the Acton Institute.

● Controversies

DeVos's tenure as United States Secretary of Education was marked by controversy, particularly with regards to her support for school choice and voucher programs. She was criticized by Democratic lawmakers, including Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, as well as by teachers' unions, such as the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers. DeVos was also criticized for her handling of student loan debt and her support for for-profit colleges, which was influenced by her involvement with the Career Education Colleges and Universities and the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities. Her policies were opposed by organizations like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Institute for College Access and Success.