Former U.S. Representative Sean Duffy, who recently co-hosted Fox Business‘ “The Bottom Line,” has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of Transportation. The nomination comes as the department faces critical challenges in aviation safety and infrastructure development.
Duffy would succeed Pete Buttigieg, who has led the Department of Transportation since February 2021. The department, established in 1966, employs about 57,000 workers and manages a roughly $110 billion annual budget overseeing the nation’s transportation safety, sustainability, and efficiency initiatives.
“Sean has been a tremendous and well-liked public servant,” Trump said in his announcement. “He will prioritize Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness and Beauty when rebuilding America’s highways, tunnels, bridges and airports.”
In public service, Duffy served as U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District from 2011 to 2019, and as District Attorney of Ashland County, Wisconsin from 2002 to 2008. During his congressional tenure, he held positions as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and served on the House Committee on Financial Services.
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His recent professional experience includes roles as co-host of Fox Business’ “The Bottom Line,” Fox News contributor from 2020 to 2024, CNN political commentator, and member of BGR Group’s advisory board, where he provided strategic advisory work only.
The incoming secretary faces several pressing issues in aviation safety oversight, including Boeing’s ongoing quality control and manufacturing issues, implementation of safety protocols, and pilot and air traffic controller staffing standards. Infrastructure development remains a central focus, with emphasis on system operations and airport modernization initiatives.
Kevin M. Burke, President of Airports Council International-North America, stated: “As air travel continues to see record highs, it is essential for Duffy and the new Congress to collaborate to secure and retain the funding necessary for airports to modernize their infrastructure.”
As Transportation Secretary, Duffy will oversee aviation safety regulations, highway infrastructure, railway systems, maritime transportation, public transit initiatives, and vehicle emissions standards. His nomination requires Senate confirmation, and his oversight would include projects involving companies run by Elon Musk, who Trump has selected to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency. Musk’s companies maintain billions in federal contracts, including with the Department of Transportation.
Duffy resigned from Congress in 2019 to focus on family matters, specifically caring for his ninth child who was born with heart complications. He is married to Rachel Campos-Duffy, co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend.”
The Airports Council International-North America has expressed support for working with the nominee on infrastructure modernization. Burke emphasized securing necessary funding for airport modernization, reducing regulatory burdens, advancing essential airfield, terminal, and business development opportunities. His statement stressed the importance of increasing air service options, elevating passenger experience, and driving economic growth in communities.
