Empowering Every Child: Betsy DeVos on Why Daily Acts of Kindness Matter

Hess: In 2017, you started your role amid a Republican-controlled Congress. How do you build good relationships there and push priorities forward?

DeVos: It’s crucial to remember that the Republican majority in the Senate was quite slim back then. It started at 52, but often dropped to around 50. This meant we relied on the vice president to cast tie-breaking votes frequently. Right now, the Senate majority is stronger, and we hope for the same in the House after upcoming elections.

Congress tends to resist change. Many members talk a lot about innovation, but when the time comes to vote, they often prefer to stick to the familiar. This means I had to invest time in explaining the benefits of new ideas and how to handle risks effectively. During my time, I spent countless hours discussing these issues, always keeping students’ needs front and center. That pushed many to reconsider long-held beliefs, especially regarding funding.

Hess: What are some of those beliefs that should change? How would they impact legislation or funding?

DeVos: The major belief is that existing programs are effective, which isn’t true. In our first budget meeting in 2017, we found that the only federal program with strong research backing its success was the charter school initiative. Teachers often told me that Title II funding for professional development wasn’t working well either. This feedback led us to suggest block granting funds to states, as existing programs often spread money too thinly with numerous restrictions.

Hess: The media coverage of your time in office didn’t seem fair. What advice do you have for future secretaries on dealing with the press?

DeVos: You’re right; the education press had a clear agenda. Many reporters assumed the worst about our policies without trying to understand them. I learned that distractions can come from that noise. If you aim for real change, some will resist you, and that’s part of the process. One useful strategy was to engage directly with the public through local news, which often presented a more balanced view. I didn’t hold many traditional press conferences but engaged with local media in every town I visited.

For the next secretary, my advice is to stay focused on your mission. Always remember who you serve, rather than worrying about critics. For me, the louder the media was, the more I felt we were making an impact.

Hess: Republicans often struggle to find qualified candidates for educational roles. Have things improved since 2017?

DeVos: Yes, significantly. There have been deliberate efforts to address this in Washington, but many Republican governors have made real progress in education reforms at the state level. This has created a fresh pipeline of talent. We now have governors who prioritize education, which enhances our landscape.

Hess: You faced significant criticism from teachers’ unions. How much did this affect you, and what advice would you give McMahon, if she is confirmed?

DeVos: Their opposition was expected, and while it hadn’t a huge impact, it did set a negative tone. I was committed to empowering parents while they wanted to protect the system. Their criticisms often gave others the green light to assume the worst about us. A good example is when the unions claimed I wasn’t serious about tackling sexual assault issues. I always approached that topic with care, as a woman and a mother. Their claims were unfounded, but they resonated, influencing public perception.

To future leaders facing similar attacks, I’d recommend responding strongly. The unions may have overstepped during COVID, making the public more aware of their tactics.

Hess: After your nomination by Trump, what was the best piece of advice you received?

DeVos: A significant piece of advice was to focus on doing something positive for kids every day. Distractions and frustrations will always arise, but starting each day with that goal helps keep you moving forward.

Hess: Looking back, what do you wish you had known on your first day?

DeVos: Time really flies; it’s surprising how fast four years go. I wish I had pushed harder from the beginning. Progress in Washington is often slow, even for policies that have broad support, like enhancing career and technical education. Every moment counts. I also realized we spent too much time engaging with those uninterested in change. It’s vital to focus on those willing to consider new approaches.