But away from the multitudes of critics and protesters, DeVos is being deployed like a rock star at Trump events.
CAMP HILL, Pa. — Betsy DeVos may be one of the most hated members of Donald Trump’s Cabinet, constantly mocked by Democrats on the campaign trail.
But away from the multitudes of critics and protesters, DeVos is being deployed like a rock star at Trump events as he makes a concerted push on education issues. The campaign is using DeVos, a devout Christian, to beef up ties with voters who see her as the fiercest defender of conservative education policies like vouchers and free speech on college campuses.
The education secretary was among the dozens of surrogates the campaign tapped for its show of force during the Iowa caucuses on Monday. She’s traveled to Wisconsin with Vice President Mike Pence for an official event promoting “school choice,” her hallmark issue in office. And on Wednesday night, DeVos headlined a lively Women for Trump campaign rally with Pence just outside Harrisburg, Pa., at times generating thunderous applause.
“Preach it, sister!” one person yelled out when DeVos slammed progressive Democrats’ proposals for free college, saying it would lead to greater government power over higher education.