Discover What Betsy DeVos Learned as Secretary of Education: Key Insights and Lessons for Future Leaders

Recently, I had a chat with Betsy DeVos, who served as Secretary of Education under President Trump from 2017 to 2021. She shared some valuable insights for Linda McMahon, Trump’s current nominee. DeVos, known for her advocacy of school choice, discussed the challenges of her role and offered advice on navigating the complexities of the education landscape.

DeVos emphasized the importance of building a strong team. She recalled how frustrating it was to get her nominees confirmed—a process that often took over a year. She noted, “Delays can really hold you back from making progress.” Her experience showed her that some of these stalls came from Senate processes and objections from Democrats, but also from the difficulty of getting the right people in place.

For those entering the education sector, DeVos warned against relying too heavily on so-called “experts.” She cautioned that many voices in Washington represent the interests of unions rather than students. “Beware of advice that’s more about maintaining the system than helping kids,” she said.

Internal opposition is another obstacle. DeVos recalled facing resistance within the Department of Education from some staff members. Many of them were vocal about their discontent, even sharing negative press about her in their offices. She advised, “Be firm. You may face pushback, but ultimately, having confidence in your leadership will earn respect.” Deep connections with supportive staff can also make a significant difference.

When it came to pushing for educational reform, DeVos found Congress to be particularly resistant to change. She remarked, “Some members talk a big game, but when it’s time to vote, many prefer the familiar path.” She stressed the need to clearly communicate the benefits of changes and how to handle risks involved.

The biggest challenge McMahon might face is in student lending. DeVos pointed out that the current administration has undermined the federal student loan system. She expressed concerns about its effectiveness and suggested that significant changes need to be implemented to restore its function. “The management of loans is chaotic, and that’s no easy fix,” she noted.

Reflecting on her time, DeVos mentioned how quickly four years can pass. She wished she had pushed for reforms more aggressively from the start. Many policies, such as expanding career and technical education, faced unnecessary delays, and some are still stuck in Congress today. In her view, every moment in such roles counts.