A surprising rift has emerged within the ranks of Donald Trump’s supporters. William Bennett, who served as Education Secretary under President Reagan, publicly disagrees with the current administration’s move to reschedule marijuana, despite his overall admiration for the president. “I love Donald Trump,” Bennett stated, “I love almost everything he does, but I don't love this.”
The disagreement centers on a recent executive order directing the Justice Department to expedite the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. This shift wouldn’t legalize cannabis nationally, but would treat it more like a regulated medicine, opening doors for expanded research. Trump himself believes this will “have a tremendously positive impact,” particularly in medical applications and for veterans.
Bennett, however, carries the weight of decades spent battling drug use. He led the National Endowment for the Humanities and later served as the nation’s first “drug czar” under President George H.W. Bush, championing a “war on drugs” focused on prevention and enforcement. He fears the consequences of normalizing marijuana, particularly for young people.
His concern isn’t simply a matter of principle; it’s rooted in observed trends. Bennett argues that unchecked marijuana use among young adults is contributing to rising dropout rates and absenteeism in schools. Nationwide, nearly 30% of students missed 10% or more of school in the 2022-2023 year, a figure still elevated post-pandemic.
Bennett believes marijuana impairs focus and attention, crucial for academic success. More alarmingly, he views it as a “gateway drug,” a stepping stone to more dangerous substances. He contends that almost anyone experimenting with harder drugs first encountered cannabis, a dangerous entry point with lasting consequences.
The shift in public perception, fueled by lobbying and the burgeoning cannabis industry, deeply troubles Bennett. What was once viewed as a substance with limited medical use is now increasingly accepted as “generally okay,” a cultural change he believes is detrimental to youth health. He acknowledges potential benefits but insists the overall impact is negative.
Adding another layer to the debate, Elayne Bennett, William’s wife and founder of the Best Friends Foundation, works directly with students. She’s witnessing a disturbing lack of awareness regarding the long-term effects of marijuana use. A recent conversation with a 14-year-old revealed he’d never been told that habitual use before age 18 could result in an eight-point IQ reduction.
Elayne Bennett, who collaborated with Nancy Reagan on the “Just Say No” campaign, passionately advocates for a revival of that message. She believes a clear, direct warning about the dangers of drugs is desperately needed. “Nancy Reagan, just say no. Reinvigorate that drugs hurt you. Drugs kill,” she urged.
Despite supporting Trump’s policies overall, William Bennett hopes the administration will reconsider its approach. He points to Trump’s own abstinence from drugs and alcohol as evidence of a sound mindset, one he believes should be applied more broadly. He remains optimistic that America, with its history of self-correction, can address this issue before further harm is done.
