U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is nominating former Wisconsin Representative Sean Duffy, now a Fox News host, to serve as the next Secretary of Transportation. If confirmed, Duffy will oversee the department’s vast portfolio, including aviation, automotive, rail, and transit policies, with an annual budget of approximately $110 billion, as well as significant funding under the Biden administration’s 2021 $1 trillion infrastructure law and ongoing EV charging station developments.
Duffy will inherit several pressing transportation issues. One of his first tasks will likely involve reversing the Biden administration’s stringent vehicle emissions rules. “We plan to begin the process of undoing the Biden administration’s stringent emissions regulations finalized earlier this year as soon as I take office,” Trump stated. These rules aim to reduce tailpipe emissions by 50% from 2026 levels by 2032, and encourage automakers to produce more electric vehicles. Trump has previously expressed his intent to roll back these regulations upon taking office, citing the desire to support the automotive industry and reduce government intervention.
Duffy will also face challenges in addressing the rising fatality rate on U.S. roads, which remains sharply higher than pre-COVID levels despite a decline in traffic deaths this year. As he navigates these challenges, he is expected to balance the interests of various transportation sectors, including autonomous vehicle regulations, which have drawn calls for more lenient oversight from companies like Tesla.
Trump emphasized that Duffy would focus on rebuilding America’s infrastructure with a commitment to “Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness and Beauty.” The new Secretary will be tasked with overseeing major projects, including highways, bridges, tunnels, and airports, while ensuring that the nation’s ports and dams remain secure and efficient.
In addition to his work on infrastructure, Duffy will manage ongoing issues in aviation and space. He will oversee enhanced oversight of Boeing’s operations, including the Federal Aviation Administration’s ongoing investigation into safety issues with the 737 MAX, and make decisions on further airline joint ventures. Duffy will also handle issues related to companies run by Elon Musk, including ongoing investigations into Tesla’s Autopilot system and SpaceX’s space license violations. “Duffy will ensure our ports and dams serve our economy without compromising our national security,” Trump added.
