Over the past four years, a series of mishaps impacting the rail and airline industries in particular has left many Americans convinced that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is not qualified for the position.
Now that President Donald Trump is preparing for his return to the White House, however, a new official will soon be at the helm of the agency. He announced his selection for the role this week, as The Hill reported:
President-elect Trump said Monday that his selection for the role of Transportation secretary in his upcoming administration is former Rep. and Fox Business host Sean Duffy (R-Wis.).
“I am pleased to announce that former Congressman Sean Duffy, from the Great State of Wisconsin, is nominated to serve as the Secretary of Transportation,” Trump said in a statement. “Sean has been a tremendous and well-liked public servant, starting his career as a District Attorney for Ashland, Wisconsin, and later elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District.”
Trump’s decision has sparked an uptick in social media discussions of Buttigieg’s perceived incompetence:
Fun Fact:
Pete Buttigieg took a longer maternity leave than Karoline Leavitt.
Pete, of course, didn’t even have the baby himself.
— Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) November 17, 2024
President Trump has selected former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy to serve as the Secretary of Transportation.
Who else thinks this is a massive upgrade from Pete Buttigieg? pic.twitter.com/BkVphqiyz4
— Real Defender🇺🇸 (@real_defender) November 18, 2024
BREAKING: Trump announces former WI congressman Sean Duffy for Transportation Secretary.
Remember when Pete Buttigieg said roads are racist? His qualifications for Transportation Secretary were that he liked trains 😂
Sean Duffy is quite an upgrade! pic.twitter.com/rxjzs1CB4i
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) November 18, 2024
Our Pete Hegseth #MAGA
Their Pete Buttigieg #Democrat
I'll take ours 😊 pic.twitter.com/MuIy6JYQrn
— Տᗩᑎᗪᖇᗩ🎗️Citizen Journalist (@SandraXFreedom) November 16, 2024
Fox News provided additional coverage of Trump’s nominee:
Shortly after the announcement, a spokesperson for Fox News Media released the following statement: “Sean Duffy provided valuable insights and analysis in co-hosting the FOX Business Network program The Bottom Line. As Duffy departs FOX News Media effective today, we wish him the best of luck in his return to Washington. Moving forward, The Bottom Line will continue with Dagen McDowell joined by rotating co-hosts.”
While in Congress, Duffy helped advocate for fiscal responsibility, economic growth and rural development.
Airports Council International–North American (ACI-NA) President and CEO Kevin M. Burke also released a statement congratulating Duffy on his nomination.
“As air travel continues to see record highs, it is essential for Duffy and the new Congressto collaborate to secure and retain the funding necessary for airports to modernize their infrastructure and enhance service to travelers,” Burke said. “ACI-NA and our member airports are eager to partner with the Department of Transportation to increase infrastructure funding and reduce regulatory burdens that delay essential airfield, terminal, and business development opportunities. Advancing new airport infrastructure projects will increase air service options, elevate the passenger experience, and drive economic growth in communities across America.
Here’s a look at how the second Trump administration is already beginning to take shape:
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