Transport Secretary Criticizes Biden Administration Over Infrastructure Delays
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy has sharply criticized the Biden administration, particularly targeting former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, for leaving an “unprecedented backlog” regarding the safety of key infrastructure across the nation.
A representative for Buttigieg, who is speculated to be a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, dismissed Duffy’s claims as “nonsense.”
This week, Duffy revealed that his department is allocating four grants totaling $42 million aimed at enhancing the safety of Florida’s high-speed rail line connecting Miami and Orlando. The department noted that these grants were announced during Buttigieg’s tenure but, according to Duffy, the Biden administration never mandated the disbursement of those funds.
Duffy mentioned that the Trump administration faced a backlog of over 3,200 grants left unprocessed by Buttigieg and Biden. He added that this stagnation hampers crucial investments in communities nationwide.
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In Florida, the oldest grant currently enforced by the Trump administration was initially announced three years ago. According to the department, “After much fanfare, their administration did not follow through with processing and distributing these funds for Florida’s Brightline or project sponsors.”
These unmet subsidies are intended for safety fencing, cross-grade enhancements, and the implementation of trespassing alert systems. The grants include $24.9 million for trespass prevention, $15.4 million for the Broward County sealed corridor project, $1.6 million for a trespassing identification system, and $150,000 to assist Palm Beach County Sherriff’s Office with overtime costs related to enforcement in critical areas.
“Under Secretary Duffy’s leadership, the Department of Transport is committed to accelerating the distribution of these long-awaited funds and addressing essential infrastructure projects,” the department stated.
Duffy characterized the unmet safety subsidies as part of the “unprecedented backlog” attributed to the Biden and Buttigieg administrations.
A notable incident during Buttigieg’s time as Secretary involved a train derailment that released toxic materials in East Palestine, Ohio, in 2023. Duffy remarked, “We couldn’t effectively manage railroad grants—some dating back years—that jeopardized the safety of Brightline’s 3 million passengers and the Florida community. Under President Trump’s leadership, America is rebuilding. We are channeling record amounts into enhancing the safety of our railways, roads, and bridges.”
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According to Duffy, Buttigieg “had nothing done” while in the role of Secretary and is now free from such responsibilities.
In response, Buttigieg’s spokesperson Chris Meagher dismissed Duffy’s remarks as “the same nonsense we’ve heard before.” He mentioned that the Biden administration has initiated more projects than any prior administration, with over 22,000 completed during Buttigieg’s time. The Department of Transportation announced funding exceeding $390 billion for more than 78,000 projects, including 445 focused on railroads.
Meagher insisted, “Some projects take time to execute properly.” He further explained that transitions in management have been an ongoing challenge, but current officials seem focused on complaining rather than achieving results.
Reactions to Infrastructure Challenges
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Trump’s camp emphasized to Fox News Digital that Buttigieg and Biden “talked a big game” while their backlog continued accumulating.
The spokesperson criticized the former administration’s focus on trivial matters instead of actively securing vital infrastructure funding. They contrasted this with Secretary Duffy’s prompt action to clear the backlog and invest in meaningful infrastructure projects, ensuring improved safety for Brightline riders and the Florida community.
