Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Pete Buttigieg pushed back against President Donald Trump’s criticisms regarding his role as Transportation Secretary in Biden’s administration, avoiding a direct answer on whether Biden showed signs of cognitive decline during his last year in office, when questioned by a reporter on Tuesday night.
Buttigieg, speaking to Fox News after meeting with veterans at City Hall, ignited speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run, although he stated he was “not running now.”
He had previously won the Iowa Presidential Caucus in 2020 and came in second in the New Hampshire primary before Biden captured the party nomination and the presidency.
The Iowa Caucus, a fixture for half a century in presidential nominations for major parties, has seen its position diminished on the Democratic National Committee’s 2024 schedule.
While less than a month has passed since Trump’s second term began, Democrats are already setting their sights on the 2028 election.
Buttigieg’s visit has been interpreted as an indication of interest in the upcoming election, particularly following his announcement in March regarding a run for a Democratic Senate seat in his adopted hometown.
In a live interview ahead of the Town Hall, Buttigieg expressed that he would consider “what I’ll take to the table” for 2028.
Fox News inquired whether campaign videographers from the 2020 election were following him in Iowa, marking the beginning of an increased scrutiny period.
Supporters from 2020 indicated they’d back him again in 2028, noting, “Of course, it means a lot to hear people who supported me continue to believe what I have to say.”
Buttigieg’s trip occurred amid Trump and Transport Secretary Shawn Duffy’s criticism regarding a rise in flight disruptions at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Duffy condemned claims by Buttigieg and the Biden administration, alleging failures in upgrading the air traffic control system.
Trump similarly criticized Buttigieg, suggesting that during his tenure, Buttigieg demonstrated a lack of awareness, stating, “I don’t think he’s going to do too well.”
This comment came shortly after Buttigieg referenced Trump’s low approval ratings, pointing out on social media that Trump is the least popular president in his first 100 days in modern history.
The Trump administration has contended that Buttigieg oversaw a difficult transition for air traffic control at Newark Airport last summer.
Duffy has voiced concerns about recent challenges, including air traffic control device shutdowns, attributing them indirectly to the current administration.
“When you’re working from home or serving as a secretary in Michigan, you likely aren’t focused on what’s happening in airspace,” Duffy remarked, critiquing Buttigieg, a Michigan resident.
Responding to press inquiries, Buttigieg asserted, “As a Director of Transportation, your job is to address tough problems, not to assign blame.”
He added, “We inherited a declining air traffic control workforce and turned it into a growing one. My successors might not seek my advice, but I would suggest focusing on growth and necessary technological advancements.”
Buttigieg’s visit coincided with new revelations from a book detailing Biden’s mental and physical decline during his presidency. When asked about Biden’s cognitive health, Buttigieg responded, “Whenever I needed something from him from the West Wing, I received it.”
However, when pressed on whether Democrats would have fared better if Biden had not sought reelection in 2024, he responded, “maybe.”
Biden withdrew from the race last July after a challenging debate against Trump, leading to Kamala Harris taking the top spot for the Democrats, although she eventually lost to Trump in November.
