Betsy DeVos visits a middle school in Dallas in April 2018. (Jay Nordlinger)

“Betsy DeVos is the unlikeliest villain you ever met. She is warm, polite, earnest, and generous. A wealthy woman, she has devoted her life to getting poor children a better shot at life.” That is how I begin my piece on the homepage today.

DeVos is secretary of education, as you know. I talked with her about her life, views, and efforts. I’d like to highlight just two things here on the Corner.


I asked her how she deals with protesters and haters, who are legion. She said, “I try to put myself in their position, their shoes, and try to see things from their perspective.” She believes that many people have been misinformed and misled. If only she could talk to them …

Furthermore, I asked her about resentment of wealth (which I think is widespread, and important). She said, “I think that my husband and I are very generous in what we do and how we do it, and I take very seriously the Biblical admonition that to whom much is given, much is required, and I try to follow that in every part of my life, whether it’s financial resources or any skills that I have, so I do look at this as a service, with a genuine heart for those I have been trying to help for three decades plus.”

I do look at this as a service. By “this,” of course, Betsy DeVos means her work for education, including as secretary.