Newly appointed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has publicly criticized his predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, accusing the Biden-era official of mismanagement and failing to address key transportation challenges during his four-year tenure. Duffy’s remarks come as the current administration undertakes sweeping reforms to improve airline reliability, public transit, and freight infrastructure.
Duffy pointed to ongoing issues within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), citing repeated system outages and air traffic controller shortages as problems that were left unaddressed under Buttigieg. He also highlighted the continued struggles of the airline industry, referencing high-profile delays and cancellations that plagued travelers in recent years.
During a press briefing, Duffy accused Buttigieg of prioritizing political appearances over substantive policy improvements, arguing that transportation infrastructure suffered from a lack of decisive action. He pledged that under the current administration, the Department of Transportation (DOT) would focus on efficiency, cost-cutting, and accountability.
In response to the criticism, Buttigieg defended his record, pointing to efforts made under his leadership to invest in rail and highway infrastructure through bipartisan funding bills. He also noted initiatives to enforce consumer protections for airline passengers.
Duffy’s comments underscore the broader political divide over transportation policy and government intervention in infrastructure development. As the new administration implements its vision for the Department of Transportation, debates over funding priorities and regulatory oversight are expected to continue.