It's not hard to see why Democrats see DeVos as unqualified. She has zero public-school experience, seemingly won't keep guns out of schools (because...grizzlies), and doesn't understand a key federal law guaranteeing services to students with disabilities. She has also said she won't necessarily commit to current Department of Education rules on campus sexual assault. And it's not hard to see why Republicans all-but-unanimously voted for her (see: "wealthy GOP donor").
DeVos' confirmation has set Twitter ablaze — everyone from California Senator Kamala Harris to Kumail Nanjiani from Silicon Valley is firing off upset tweets. We picked some of the strongest reactions below.
I voted NO on DeVos’ nomination and am disappointed we fell short. We must fight to ensure our kids have access to a first-rate education.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) February 7, 2017
Pence casts tie-breaking vote to confirm Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary. Grizzly bears lose. So do America's kids.
— Nicholas Kristof (@NickKristof) February 7, 2017
Here's how much Betsy DeVos & her family paid Republican senators who supported her. https://t.co/oAWgfryMcC pic.twitter.com/u8EWFwn2VI
— Dana Liebelson (@dliebelson) February 7, 2017
My statement on the Senate's confirmation of Betsy DeVos:https://t.co/4YP8aysyWL pic.twitter.com/ZYsoxJVaf3
— Julia Brownley (@JuliaBrownley26) February 7, 2017
The confirmation of Betsy Devos is a prime example of why we must #resist and vote them out in 2018 & 2020.
— Southern Democrats (@SouthernDems_) February 7, 2017
And it only cost her family $200,000,000 in donations to the Republican Party. Nice work, #SwampDrainers! https://t.co/ktoyoxiOh7
— Timothy Omundson (@Omundson) February 7, 2017
People who don't understand why confirming Betsy DeVos was such a tragedy are exactly the reason we need a competent Education Secretary.
— shauna (@goldengateblond) February 7, 2017
Betsy Devos got confirmed. Everyone who voted for her should be ashamed. Party before country. They're using children's education as pawns.
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) February 7, 2017
Betsy DeVos confirmed. What is also confirmed is that there is not one single man of courage in the Republican Congress.
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) February 7, 2017
Upcoming Betsy DeVos school field trips:
— Brian Altano (@agentbizzle) February 7, 2017
- Noah's Ark Science Academy
- Guy Fieri Memorial Museum
- National Park of Cool Turds
- Fireworks
DeVos may have been confirmed but that doesn't mean that the calls, emails and protests weren't worth it. This is only round one.
— Dan Pfeiffer (@danpfeiffer) February 7, 2017
Senate just confirmed Betsy DeVos for @usedgov. Her only relevant experience – giving millions to GOP.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) February 7, 2017
Swamp: 1
Kids and grizzlies: 0
REPUBLICANS: Protect unborn children!
— Dan Ozzi (@danozzi) February 7, 2017
ALSO REPUBLICANS: Protect kids from trans perverts in restrooms!
ALSO REPUBLICANS: Betsy Devos is fine
The Bannon-Putin axis desperately needs uninformed and uncritical voters. For them, Betsy Devos is an investment in the future.
— Gary Shteyngart (@Shteyngart) February 7, 2017
Betsy DeVos would not commit to upholding protections for campus sexual assault victims. 48 GOP Senators & VP Mike Pence said that's okay.
— Caroline O. (@RVAwonk) February 7, 2017
Thanks to each and every Minnesotan who took the time to reach out to me about Betsy DeVos. I heard you. I wish GOP would have listened.
— Sen. Al Franken (@SenFranken) February 7, 2017
betsy devos is a slap in the face to every hardworking teacher & every kid in public school. very sad day for the future of education.
— Laci Green (@gogreen18) February 7, 2017
Allowing Betsy DeVos to run public schools would be like asking a disconnected narcissistic billionaire to be presid- oh wait
— Josh Hara (@yoyoha) February 7, 2017