President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Sean Duffy, a former Republican congressman and Fox Business host, as the Secretary of Transportation. Duffy's appointment follows his tenure as a Wisconsin representative from 2011 to 2019 and his current role as a television host. This nomination marks the second Fox News host selected for Trump's cabinet, with Pete Hegseth chosen for the Department of Defense. Duffy, known for his support of Trump, previously appeared on reality television and is married to Fox host Rachel Campos-Duffy.
Under his new role, Duffy is expected to manage significant infrastructure budgets, including a $110 billion fund aimed at renewing American infrastructure and enhancing transportation safety. He will oversee agencies such as the FAA and FRA, tackle post-pandemic road safety issues, and collaborate with companies like Tesla on autonomous vehicle regulations. Duffy has expressed intentions to prioritize excellence and efficiency in infrastructure projects, while planning to reverse certain diversity initiatives from the previous administration.
The nomination has sparked controversy, particularly due to Duffy's media background and previous defense of Trump's policies. Nonetheless, Trump lauds Duffy's fiscal responsibility and bipartisan efforts in past infrastructure projects, which include co-sponsoring legislation for the St. Croix River bridge. As Secretary of Transportation, Duffy will succeed Pete Buttigieg and face challenges such as addressing infrastructure safety, regulatory changes, and funding allocations.
