WASHINGTON — President-elect Trump has officially appointed Sean Duffy, a notable Fox News contributor and former congressman from Wisconsin, to lead the Department of Transportation.
In announcing Duffy’s selection, Trump highlighted him as a “respected voice and communicator,” sharing his praise with supporters through a post on Truth Social which emphasized Duffy’s stature in political discourse.
Duffy, who represented Wisconsin in the U.S. House of Representatives for an impressive eight years, has been making waves as a Fox News contributor since 2020 and began hosting the show The Bottom Line on the Fox Business Network in 2023, showcasing his dual expertise in politics and media.
Interestingly, this marks the second consecutive appointment of a Fox personality to Trump’s cabinet within just two weeks; after naming Pete Hegseth from Fox & Friends as the new leader of the Department of Defense, Duffy now follows closely in the spotlight.
Duffy’s background in the television industry is particularly intriguing. He first burst onto the entertainment scene in 1997 as a cast member on MTV’s iconic reality show The Real World, later gaining further acclaim on another MTV series, Road Rules: All Stars, where he formed a pivotal connection with his future wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, who is also a Fox host.
In addition to his media endeavors, Duffy boasts an impressive skill set as a seasoned lumberjack, having claimed multiple world championships in speed climbing, showcasing a blend of finesse and physical prowess.
With a law degree under his belt, Duffy served as the District Attorney in Ashland County, Wisconsin, from 2002 until 2010, when he pivoted his career to Congress. His tenure in Washington was marked by his impactful role on the House Financial Services Committee, where he also chaired the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.
Trump lauded Duffy’s collaboration across party lines, commenting, “Admired across the aisle, Sean worked with Democrats to clear extensive legislative hurdles to build the largest road and bridge project in Minnesota history,” a testament to his capability in bipartisan cooperation.
If confirmed as the Secretary of Transportation, Duffy would take charge of a vast department with an annual budget exceeding $100 billion and a workforce of over 57,000 employees, focusing on maintaining and enhancing essential national infrastructure, including the aviation system, highways, railroads, and ports.
Under the current leadership of Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the Department of Transportation has allocated billions of dollars derived from the bipartisan infrastructure law, aimed at improving roads and bridges, constructing tunnels, modernizing airports, and expanding more broad infrastructure initiatives.
However, the viability of these ongoing projects may now face uncertainty under Duffy’s potential leadership.
The Department of Transportation encompasses several critical agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, tasked with managing the nation’s airspace, and regulatory bodies overseeing rail systems, safety standards for passenger vehicles, trucks, and commercial transport.
Moreover, the department’s extensive purview intersects with the business interests of Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, who has significantly invested in Trump’s reelection campaign, making this connection particularly noteworthy.
In specific areas, Musk’s company SpaceX has had disputes with the FAA over launch protocols, highlighting the challenges ahead.
Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, another segment of the DOT, is currently investigating Tesla regarding its “Full Self-Driving” technology, following reports of crashes that resulted in fatalities, including one involving a pedestrian, marking a deeper scrutiny into Tesla’s driver-assistance systems.
The previous transportation secretary under President Trump, Elaine Chao, resigned in the wake of the January 6 Capitol riot, attributing her decision to the “traumatic and entirely avoidable” violence witnessed that day, casting a shadow over the transition period.
How does Sean Duffy’s background in media influence his approach to leadership in the Department of Transportation?
**Interview with Sean Duffy: President-elect Trump’s Appointee for Secretary of Transportation**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sean. Congratulations on your appointment as the Secretary of Transportation! Can you share how your background, both in politics and media, has prepared you for this significant role?
**Sean Duffy:** Thank you for having me! I believe my experience in Congress, where I served on the House Financial Services Committee and as the chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations, has given me a solid foundation in understanding the intricacies of government and infrastructure projects. Coupled with my time as a Fox News contributor, I’ve developed strong communication skills, which I think are crucial for effectively leading the Department of Transportation and engaging with the public on these issues.
**Interviewer:** During the announcement, President Trump referred to you as a “respected voice and communicator.” How do you plan to leverage that respect in fostering collaboration, especially given the department’s diverse challenges?
**Sean Duffy:** I appreciate the President’s kind words. My goal is to continue to cultivate relationships across the aisle, much like I did in my past roles. Working cohesively with both Republicans and Democrats is essential, especially for large-scale projects that require bipartisan support. As I’ve seen firsthand, very few issues are purely partisan when it comes to infrastructure. I intend to prioritize transparent communication and collaboration to ensure we can address the pressing needs of our nation’s transportation systems.
**Interviewer:** You have an interesting background as a former reality TV star and a world champion lumberjack. How do you think those unconventional experiences have shaped your approach to leadership and problem-solving?
**Sean Duffy:** Maybe it sounds unconventional, but my past in reality TV taught me about public engagement and the importance of storytelling to connect with people. As for my time in lumberjacking, it instilled a strong work ethic and the value of determination. Both experiences taught me resilience and the ability to adapt, which I believe are key traits for any leader, especially in a department responsible for such vital infrastructure.
**Interviewer:** With an impressive budget and a large workforce to manage as Secretary of Transportation, what are your immediate priorities for the department?
**Sean Duffy:** First and foremost, my focus will be on the safety and reliability of our transportation systems. We need to ensure that our highways, railroads, and aviation systems are not only well-maintained but also prepared for the future. Additionally, I want to explore innovative technologies that can improve efficiency and sustainability. My immediate priorities will also include engaging with stakeholders from all levels—federal, state, and local—to understand their needs and ensure we make informed decisions.
**Interviewer:** As you prepare for your confirmed role, what message do you have for those who may have doubts about your appointment, given your background in media?
**Sean Duffy:** I respect that there will be different opinions about how I transition from media to government, but I want to assure everyone that I take this role seriously. I’ve always been passionate about public service and working hard to solve issues. My experience will enable me to communicate effectively with the public, and I am committed to putting the needs of the American people first. I look forward to proving that my appointment can bring about positive change in the Department of Transportation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sean Duffy, for your insights and wishing you the very best in your new role!
**Sean Duffy:** Thank you for having me, and I appreciate your support!
