Trump picks former congressman and Fox Business host Sean Duffy as next Transportation secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has selected former Congressman and Fox Business co-host Sean Duffy as his nominee for Secretary of the Department of Transportation. Duffy, a Wisconsin native, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, representing the state’s 7th Congressional District. He was most recently a co-host on Fox Business’ “The Bottom Line” and joined Fox News as a contributor in 2020. Duffy left his role at the network on Monday, with his final appearance on Fox Business the previous day, and soon after, he interviewed for the Transportation Secretary position.

Trump praised Duffy as a “tremendous and well-liked public servant” and a “respected voice” within the Republican Party. In his announcement, Trump emphasized that Duffy would bring “Excellence, Competence, Competitiveness, and Beauty” to the task of rebuilding America’s infrastructure, including highways, bridges, tunnels, and airports. Trump also highlighted Duffy’s commitment to ensuring that the nation’s ports and dams support the economy without compromising national security and that aviation safety would be a priority. One of Trump’s key points was eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers.

Though Duffy is a seasoned politician, his qualifications in transportation policy are limited. During his time in Congress, he chaired the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and served on the House Financial Services Committee. However, his direct experience with transportation issues is minimal. If confirmed, Duffy would oversee a department responsible for a wide array of transportation projects and safety concerns, including challenges facing the aviation sector such as Boeing’s quality control problems, potential labor strikes by airline unions, and the growing push for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

The Department of Transportation, established in 1966, employs nearly 55,000 workers and is crucial in ensuring the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of all forms of travel and transport in the United States. Duffy would replace Pete Buttigieg, who has led the department since February 2021, and succeed Elaine Chao, who served under Trump during his first term until she resigned after the January 6, 2021, insurrection.

Duffy’s selection is noteworthy given his limited background in transportation policy. However, his connection to key figures like Elon Musk—Trump’s nominee to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency—could be influential. Musk’s companies, which have significant government contracts, including with the Department of Transportation, could play a role in shaping the department’s future initiatives. Additionally, Duffy’s past as a former district attorney and his work as a professional lumberjack and ESPN color commentator highlight his diverse background.

Duffy’s political career includes a notable moment when he introduced a bill aimed at expanding presidential powers to impose tariffs, a policy Trump has expressed interest in reviving. Although the bill was dismissed by fellow Republicans at the time, it earned Duffy praise from Trump, signaling a strong alignment between the two.

Before entering politics, Duffy gained public attention as a cast member on MTV’s “The Real World: Boston” in 1997. He later competed on “Road Rules: All Stars” in 1998, where he met his future wife, Rachel Campos. Campos-Duffy is a prominent Fox News personality and co-host of “Fox & Friends Weekend.” Together, the Duffy family has been a notable presence in conservative media.

Duffy resigned from Congress in 2019, citing the desire to spend more time with his family after complications during his wife’s pregnancy with their ninth child. His decision marked the end of an active political career, but his re-emergence as a Transportation Secretary nominee signals a potential return to public service at a high level.

If confirmed by the Senate, Duffy’s leadership at the Department of Transportation would be a key part of Trump’s second-term agenda, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, safety, and innovation. With a range of challenges ahead, including climate change initiatives, workforce issues, and aviation safety, Duffy’s ability to navigate these complex topics will be closely watched by lawmakers and industry leaders alike.

This story has been updated to include additional details.