Former Reagan Education Secretary Bill Bennett Breaks With Trump Over Marijuana Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — William Bennett, the former Education Secretary under President Ronald Reagan and a longtime advocate in the “War on Drugs,” has publicly distanced himself from former President Donald Trump’s recent efforts to ease federal marijuana regulations. While Bennett expressed broad support for much of Trump’s agenda, he drew a firm line on cannabis policy, voicing concerns about the potential consequences of reclassifying marijuana under federal law.
In December 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order directing the Department of Justice to expedite the process of moving marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. This reclassification would acknowledge marijuana as having some accepted medical uses and reduce the federal restrictions on its use, though it would not legalize cannabis nationwide. President Trump hailed the move as a step toward facilitating medical research and improving public health outcomes.
However, Bennett, who served as Education Secretary during the Reagan administration and has been a vocal critic of drug liberalization policies, challenged the decision in a recent interview. “I love Donald Trump,” Bennett said, “I love almost everything he does, but I don’t love this.” He emphasized that the reclassification could exacerbate problems related to youth marijuana use, including increased school absenteeism and declining academic performance.
Bennett’s concerns echo longstanding debates about marijuana’s role as a so-called “gateway drug” and its impact on adolescent brain development and educational outcomes. He argued that loosening federal restrictions might send mixed messages to young people, potentially undermining efforts to reduce drug use in schools.
The executive order aims to make it easier to conduct marijuana-related medical research by reducing regulatory hurdles, a point that Trump underscored when announcing the policy. The administration’s approach aligns with a broader trend toward reevaluating cannabis laws across the country, as numerous states have legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use. Yet, the federal government’s stance remains a critical factor in shaping research, enforcement, and public health policies.
Experts note that the federal classification of marijuana as a Schedule I substance has historically hindered rigorous scientific study of its therapeutic benefits and risks. The Drug Enforcement Administration controls the scheduling of substances, and any change requires careful consideration of medical, legal, and social factors.
Despite Bennett’s opposition, the White House’s move reflects shifting attitudes within the federal government. The Department of Justice has begun reviewing the implications of rescheduling cannabis, which could influence future enforcement priorities and funding for research.
Public opinion has also evolved, with a majority of Americans supporting some form of marijuana legalization or decriminalization, according to recent polls. However, concerns about youth access and health impacts remain central to the debate.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight that marijuana use among adolescents is linked to various negative outcomes, including impaired cognitive function and increased risk of mental health disorders. These findings bolster arguments like Bennett’s that caution is warranted in changing federal policies.
As the federal government navigates this complex landscape, Bennett’s public break with Trump underscores the continuing tensions within conservative circles over drug policy. While many advocate for reform to address criminal justice disparities and unlock research potential, others remain steadfast in their concerns about public health and youth protection.
With the Biden administration also signaling openness to cannabis policy reform, the coming months could see significant developments in how marijuana is regulated at the federal level. Bennett’s stance serves as a reminder that the issue transcends partisan lines and involves weighing competing priorities for the nation’s health and safety.
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