DeVos Fires Back at '60 Minutes' After Interview Criticism

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos took to Twitter Monday to defend herself after she was criticized for struggling to answer basic questions on school performance during an interview on CBS’ “60 Minutes” that aired Sunday night.

DeVos seemed unprepared to answer questions about what she has done to improve national education, and stumbled when CBS’ Lesley Stahl pressed her on taking funding away from public schools.

DeVos fired back on Twitter, saying 60 Minutes purposely left out specific data on school performance in Michigan that her department provided the network.

“Students at charter schools in Detroit ate doing 2x better than their peers,” she wrote.

“The reforms are helping, but there’s so much more to do. We must help all students be better prepared for strong futures.

Here’s what we shared with @60Minutes, which of course they didn’t show you: Michigan, like much of the nation, isn’t doing well enough to prepare students. Scores are stagnant. Students need more options, and we must rethink our approach to education. pic.twitter.com/GJ0kdI2GPE

— Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED) March 12, 2018

Also missing from @60Minutes: students at charter schools in Detroit are doing 2x better than their peers. The reforms are helping, but there’s so much more to do. We must help all students be better prepared for strong futures. https://t.co/nZ8iqHhLBd pic.twitter.com/xoiegl2VF1

— Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED) March 12, 2018

White House officials were reportedly alarmed by DeVos’ interview, according to two sources who spoke with CNN.

It’s not the first time DeVos’ statements have been highly scrutinized as last January she struggled to answer basic education questions during her confirmation hearing before the Senate.

• DeVos: Schools Must Be Kept as Safe as Other Public Venues
• Dem Rep. Lieu Mocks DeVos' Appearance on '60 Minutes'