Trump Picks Fox News Host and Fmr Wisconsin Rep Sean Duffy for Transportation Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Wisconsin Representative Sean Duffy as his choice for secretary of transportation, marking his second selection from Fox News’ roster for his upcoming administration.
Duffy, 53, who currently co-hosts “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business Network, brings both congressional and media experience to the position.
The move by Trump has been touted as a strategic one that blends media experience with political acumen.
The announcement comes as Trump continues to assemble his cabinet with individuals he believes will challenge conventional Washington operations, The New York Times reported.
“[Duffy] will prioritize Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness and Beauty when rebuilding America’s highways, tunnels, bridges and airports,” Trump, 78, said in his announcement statement.
“He will ensure our ports and dams serve our Economy without compromising our National Security, and he will make our skies safe again by eliminating DEI for pilots and air traffic controllers.”
Duffy replied to the announcement on X by writing, “Thank you, Mr. President. I’m eager to help you usher in a new golden age of transportation #MAGA.”
The nomination places Duffy, a former prosecutor who served Wisconsin’s 7th District for over eight years, at the helm of a department managing approximately 55,000 employees and a substantial $110 billion budget.
The Post reported that if confirmed, Duffy would oversee the nation’s complex transportation infrastructure, including railways, transit systems and various infrastructure projects.
Trump highlighted Duffy’s bipartisan achievements, specifically noting his work with Democrats on the St. Croix Crossing project between Minnesota and Wisconsin, describing it as “the largest road and bridge project in Minnesota History.”
The nomination comes at a crucial time for American transportation infrastructure.
Duffy, who has been vocal in his criticism of current Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, particularly regarding the 2022 airline travel disruptions, would inherit additional funding from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, including controversial electric vehicle charging initiatives.
Fox News announced Duffy’s immediate departure following the nomination.
“As Duffy departs FOX News Media effective today, we wish him the best of luck in his return to Washington. Moving forward, ‘The Bottom Line’ will continue with Dagen McDowell joined by rotating co-hosts,” a network spokesperson told the Post.
Duffy’s personal life figured prominently in Trump’s announcement, with the president-elect noting his marriage to Fox News personality Rachel Campos-Duffy, who co-hosts “Fox & Friends Weekend,” and their nine children.
Duffy previously left Congress in early 2019 to care for his newborn daughter, who was born with a heart defect.
The nomination follows Trump’s recent selection of Pete Hegseth, another Fox News personality and Army National Guard member, as his defense secretary nominee, establishing a pattern of selecting media figures for key cabinet positions.
This appointment represents a significant shift from Trump’s previous transportation secretary, Elaine Chao, whom he has criticized during his time out of office.
Chao, wife of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, served during Trump’s first term.
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