How billionaire philanthropist and US Education Secretary Betsy DeVos became the richest member of President Trump's cabinet

Ted S. Warren/AP Images

DeVos once said she expects "a return on our investment" for donating money to conservative causes.

• US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is one of the wealthiest members of President Donald Trump's cabinet.
• The education secretary and her husband, former Amway CEO Dick DeVos, have an estimated net worth around $1.3 billion.
• Their fortune partly comes from controversial multi-level marketing company Amway.
• The DeVos' have been major Republican donors and philanthropists for years.

President Donald Trump boasts a particularly wealthy circle of advisers.

Together they're worth $10 billion. Trump has claimed that by appointing rich individuals he is ensuring his team is "representing the country" instead of being in it for the money, Business Insider reported.

Complimentary Tech Event

Transform talent with learning that works

Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

Amidst that cluster of billionaires and millionaires, US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is one of the richest top officials with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion.

Both the education secretary and her husband, Amway heir Dick DeVos, hailed from wealthy and powerful Michigan families. They share a conservative Christian worldview - and a desire to influence politics in Michigan and beyond.

DeVos' reputation as a top GOP donor - and her consistent advocacy for charter schools - ultimately helped propel her to the White House.

Here's a look at how DeVos' immense wealth and billion dollar net worth came about: