Despite opposition from both Democratic and Republican senators, Vice President Mike Pence’s historic vote officially confirmed Betsy DeVos as secretary of education. DeVos was arguably one of President Donald Trump’s most controversial cabinet picks as many cited her lack of experience in education.
The 51-to-50 vote confirmed that DeVos will be leading the Department of Education. According to the New York Times, two Republicans (Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska) voted against her confirmation, totaling 50 in opposition, including all 48 Democrats who voted against her. DeVos’s victory was secured by Pence’s tiebreaking vote.
Democrats spoke for 24 hours prior to the confirmation vote Tuesday afternoon, hoping to convince their Republican colleagues that DeVos was unfit for the position. Ultimately, opposition from both Senate Democrats, two Republicans and voters did not sway anyone’s vote on DeVos.
According to ABC News, many showed opposition to DeVos for her lack of experience in education. People have expressed concerns over “her support of school vouchers, which critics believe will weaken public schools, and her lack of experience, having never attended nor worked in the public education system.”
Take a look at how social media reacted to DeVos’s confirmation below:
Social Media Reacts to Betsy DeVos’s Confirmation As Education Secretary
Republicans just gave us proof that money is more important than our children #NoOnDeVos
— Bethany (@beeps1981) February 7, 2017
Every Republican senator who isn't @lisamurkowski or @SenatorCollins should go home to their state, apologize to a teacher, and then resign.
— John Hodgman (@hodgman) February 7, 2017
Thanks for making America dumb again @VicePresidentMP #NoOnDeVos
— nicolle farup (@nicollefarup) February 7, 2017
CONFIRMED!!!!! #NoOnDeVos
— RyanCADeplorables (@rrich2312) February 7, 2017
Congratulations to Betsy DeVos. The new Secretary of Education. She's going to be great! #MAGA #tcot
— Lindsey Aiken (@LindseyUS1) February 7, 2017
Disappointed in those that chose party over country, party over children, party over decency #NoonDeVos #NoDevos
— Syd (@SydAW7) February 7, 2017
Not surprising, still devastating. Sorry, tiny humans. #NoOnDeVos
— Deliah (@IDeliahism) 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
DeVos is confirmed. I hope the GOP is proud of themselves for putting an ignorant, unqualified fool in this position #NoonDeVos
— Kristin (@keeshtihn) February 7, 2017
If your Senator did not vote #NoOnDeVos — know their name, remember it, & vote no on them when they are up for reelection. We must resist.
— Ziad Ahmed (@ziadtheactivist) February 7, 2017
Never forget on 2/7/17 the Republican party sold our schools to the highest bidder. Mark my words, I will fight even harder now #NoOnDevos
— ♻️ Christopher Zullo (@ChrisJZullo) February 7, 2017
Welcome to Betsy's DeVos's America. #NoOnDevos pic.twitter.com/gFcDrIp63d
— Diane N. Sevenay (@Diane_7A) February 7, 2017
Well, that confirms it. Good to know how easily you can be bought, @SenateGOP. Disgraceful. You'll pay in next elections. #NoonDeVos
— Meg (@MegAhsens) February 7, 2017
Betsy DeVos will be confirmed. Despite massive outcry from constituents & clear knowledge that she is unqualified, the people were ignored.
— Drew “eat the rich” Schnoebelen (@Dschnoeb) February 7, 2017
Angry right now? Channel that anger into the 2018 election now.The resistance must organize, activists must run for local office. #NoOnDeVos
— Andrea Chalupa (@AndreaChalupa) February 7, 2017
What are your thoughts on Betsy DeVos leading the Department of Education? Sound off in the comments section below!
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons