Former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is closely following the 2024 presidential race but has yet to endorse a candidate. Her chief of staff, Nate Bailey, confirmed to Fox News Digital that while she's encouraged by the focus on education freedom and parental empowerment among the contenders, she remains undecided.
DeVos, who served throughout Donald Trump's presidency, has a strong track record advocating for school choice. During her tenure, she emphasized parents' right to direct education funds towards schools best suited for their children's needs, regardless of whether those are public or private institutions. She also championed the 1776 Commission, presented as a counterpoint to the 1619 Project.
While DeVos served under Trump, she has also shown support for other Republican candidates. She recently participated in a public conversation with former Vice President Mike Pence, discussing conservative principles. Furthermore, the DeVos family has provided financial support to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's gubernatorial campaigns, including a personal contribution from DeVos to a DeSantis-supporting super PAC in 2022.
DeVos maintains an active presence in education policy. Her recent book, "Hostages No More: The Fight for Education Freedom and the Future of the American Child," addresses topics like critical race theory, pandemic school closures, and potential solutions for improving the American education system.
Her longstanding commitment to education reform predates her time in the Trump administration. She co-founded All Children Matter in 2003 to support voucher programs and the American Federation for Children in 2010 to advocate for school choice. Through the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation, established in 1989, she and her husband have contributed to charter and Christian schools, school choice organizations, universities, and arts foundations.
