Betsy DeVos supports Trump's call to abolish the Department of Education and give more power to families.

Betsy DeVos, the former Education Secretary, mirrored President-elect Trump's stance on "disbanding" and "de-powering" the Department of Education, stating that the opportunity to implement this agenda is "wide open" as the new administration prepares to take office.

DeVos, a longtime advocate for school choice, emphasized that while the goal of school choice education freedom is a priority, there are more immediate things that need to be done first, such as cleaning up the federal tax credit, giving "rocket fuel" to school choice, and fixing Title IX.

DeVos stated on "The Story with Martha MacCallum" on Tuesday that there are numerous steps that can be taken to re-empower states, local communities, and families.

"DeVos proposed to remove the power from the Department of Education, grant the funds directly to schools, continue to invest in education, but at a more local level where better decisions are made for students. According to DeVos, the bureaucrats at the Department of Education have failed to close achievement gaps for over four decades, instead widening them."

Betsy DeVos served as the 11th U.S. Secretary of Education under the Trump administration from 2017 to 2021.

The Department of Education was established in 1980 following the passage of the Department of Education Organization Act in 1979. Nevertheless, in his 1982 State of the Union address, former President Reagan proposed to abolish the department.

DeVos is advocating for Congress to pass the federal tax credit that was previously championed during Trump's first term in office, in addition to other administrative priorities.

DeVos stated that the new policy will enhance the existing education freedom school choice programs in states and enable students in states without such programs to choose the best options for themselves and their families.

"Additionally, as previously mentioned, every chance to significantly reduce the department's power must be seized. This can only be achieved with Congress' assistance and support, but the opportunity to do so is currently wide open due to the COVID pandemic's aftermath and the unions' overplaying their hand in various areas."

DeVos stated that the Department of Education "doesn't add any value" and that while the federal government funds 9% of K-12 education, it imposes 90% of the regulations.

"The federal agency in Washington dictates how states and communities must spend their funds, with strings attached, and almost all of the individuals there have an agenda that prioritizes their own interests over what is best for students."