Betsy DeVos
Betsy DeVos
U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who is from Michigan, had vowed that she and her husband, businessman Dick DeVos, would refrain from giving political contributions during her tenure under President Donald Trump.
But apparently, that vow has been broken, at least on the face of it.
Dick DeVos this year contributed to two Michigan political action committees, Jonathan Oosting of The Detroit News reports.
State disclosure records show Dick DeVos contributed $3,000 to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce PAC on April 20 and $2,000 to the Friends of West Michigan Business Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce PAC on July 24.
The News reports:
A family spokesman defended and downplayed the PAC contributions Friday, telling The Detroit News that Betsy DeVos did not have the chance to “provide a lot of context” in her testimony.
“As it relates to Dick, I think there’s a big difference between (giving to) federal candidates and the rest of the world of political giving, and that was a distinction there wasn’t really an opportunity to make,” Greg McNeilly said. “But I think in his mind, that’s kind of where the line was drawn with her testimony.”
McNeilly suggested the pledge to suspend contributions was focused on direct giving to federal candidates. Dick DeVos is “open” — but not committed — to supporting state-level political candidates this cycle, he said.h
