President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former congressman and Fox Business host Sean Duffy to head the Department of Transportation. Duffy, a staunch defender of Trump on cable news, is the second Fox commentator chosen for the incoming administration’s cabinet.
If confirmed, Duffy will oversee aviation, automotive, rail, and transit policies, managing a department with an annual budget of approximately $110 billion (£86 billion). In a statement on Truth Social, Trump praised Duffy as a “tremendous and well-liked public servant” who is “admired across the aisle.”
Trump added that Duffy’s experience in Congress would help “maintain and rebuild our nation’s infrastructure” and lead efforts to usher in a “Golden Age of Travel,” focusing on safety, efficiency, and innovation. Trump also highlighted Duffy’s family values, noting that as the husband of Fox News star Rachel Campos-Duffy and the father of nine children, he understands the importance of safe, worry-free travel for families.
Before entering politics, Duffy was a prosecutor and a reality TV star, appearing on shows such as The Real World: Boston and Road Rules: All Stars. In 2011, he was elected as a Republican to represent Wisconsin in the US House of Representatives, where he served until 2019.
If confirmed, Duffy will replace Pete Buttigieg, who was nominated by President Joe Biden in 2021. The Department of Transportation, which has nearly 55,000 employees, plays a crucial role in overseeing national transportation safety, sustainability, and efficiency.
The new secretary will inherit ongoing challenges, including aviation safety concerns with Boeing and potential labor disputes. Trump’s administration may also reverse Biden’s vehicle emissions rules, adding to the challenges for Duffy’s leadership. Since his victory, Trump has steadily appointed close allies to high-ranking positions in his administration, often prioritizing loyalty over policy expertise.
