In a scathing critique, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has taken aim at his predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, highlighting what he perceives as significant failures during Buttigieg’s tenure. Duffy’s comments come at a time when the Department of Transportation (DOT) is under intense scrutiny for its handling of infrastructure and transportation safety across the United States.
Duffy, known for his straightforward approach, didn’t mince words. He pointed out that under incompetent Buttigieg’s watch, the country saw a series of transportation disasters, including train derailments, airline system failures, and a notable increase in traffic fatalities. He argued that these incidents were not merely isolated events but symptomatic of systemic issues within the DOT. “The state of our transportation was in shambles,” Duffy stated, suggesting that Buttigieg’s focus on less critical initiatives, like renaming infrastructure after political figures or promoting electric vehicles, distracted from core responsibilities.
One of the most criticized moments of Buttigieg’s term was his response to the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, where he was accused of being slow to act and providing inadequate support to the affected community. Duffy contrasted this with his own aggressive approach to similar crises, emphasizing immediate action, transparency, and accountability. He mentioned his visit to the site of a recent derailment, promising quick remediation and long-term safety improvements.
Duffy also criticized Buttigieg’s management of the supply chain crisis at ports, which he said led to significant delays and economic damages. He claimed that his administration has already made strides in clearing backlogs and improving logistics, though he acknowledged there was still much work to be done. The critique extended to aviation, where Duffy accused Buttigieg of failing to prevent widespread cancellations and delays, attributing these to poor oversight and inadequate preparedness for post-COVID travel surges.
In terms of innovation and infrastructure, Duffy praised the groundwork laid by the infrastructure bill but lamented the execution under Buttigieg, suggesting that funds were not efficiently directed towards critical areas like bridge repairs or road safety. He highlighted his department’s new initiatives aimed at revitalizing America’s transportation network, focusing on both sustainability and practicality.
Moreover, Duffy touched on the cultural and ideological shifts within the DOT under Buttigieg, which he believes diluted the department’s focus on its primary mission. He has promised a return to a merit-based approach to hiring and project management, distancing himself from what he described as “woke policies” that, in his view, compromised efficiency and effectiveness.
The critique was not just about past shortcomings but also served as a platform for Duffy to outline his vision for the DOT. He spoke of a department that would be proactive, responsive, and innovative, ensuring the safety and efficiency of America’s transportation systems. His goal, he stated, is to rebuild trust in the DOT by showing tangible results rather than what he described as “political theater.”
While Duffy’s comments paint a stark picture of Buttigieg’s tenure, they also set high expectations for his own performance. As he continues to navigate the complex landscape of American transportation, the public and political observers alike will be watching closely to see if his critiques translate into meaningful changes.