President-elect Donald Trump has chosen former congressman and Fox Business co-host Sean Duffy to lead the Department of Transportation. Duffy, who represented Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District from 2011 to 2019, recently worked as a co-host on Fox Business’ “The Bottom Line.” He officially left Fox News on Monday, with his last appearance on Fox Business taking place on Wednesday.
In a statement, Trump praised Duffy as a “tremendous and well-liked public servant” and highlighted his communication skills and experience in Congress. Trump emphasized Duffy’s commitment to prioritizing excellence, competence, competitiveness, and beauty in rebuilding America’s transportation infrastructure.
As the new transportation secretary, Duffy will face various safety and sustainability challenges in aviation, including issues related to Boeing, airline labor unions, and climate-focused initiatives. The Department of Transportation, established in 1966, plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, sustainability, and efficiency across all modes of transportation.
Duffy will succeed Pete Buttigieg, who has led the department since February 2021. During Trump’s first term, Elaine Chao served as the transportation secretary before resigning in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Prior to his political career, Duffy gained recognition for his appearances on MTV’s reality shows and his background as a professional lumberjack athlete and ESPN color commentator.
In his role as a congressman, Duffy introduced a bill aimed at expanding presidential powers to impose tariffs, aligning with Trump’s agenda. Although the bill did not gain support from fellow Republicans, it earned Duffy praise from Trump. Before his congressional tenure, Duffy served as a district attorney in Wisconsin.
Duffy’s diverse background and experience in both politics and media make him a unique choice for the role of transportation secretary. His appointment signals a focus on rebuilding America’s infrastructure while addressing key challenges in the transportation sector. As Duffy takes on this new responsibility, his leadership will be closely watched as he navigates the complex landscape of transportation policy and infrastructure development.
