Duffy Critiques Buttigieg’s Performance as Transportation Secretary
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took a jab at his predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, labeling him a “sloth” during a recent video that celebrated President Donald Trump’s achievements in office. This video creatively mixed images from popular movies.
Duffy remarked, “Pete Buttigieg moved like a sloth. I’m moving at Trump’s speed!” He continued, criticizing Buttigieg’s tenure for spending a significant $80 billion on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and climate change efforts, while asserting that the current administration has accomplished more in a single year than Buttigieg’s team did over four years.
The video, showcasing various issues including border security, emphasizes the Trump administration’s contrast with former President Joe Biden’s leadership. Duffy commented, “Now that Pete is no longer Cabinet Secretary, the burden seems to have been lifted.”
Responding to these remarks, Buttigieg’s spokesman, Sean Manning, suggested that Duffy appeared increasingly desperate and insisted that the public would prefer Duffy focus on his responsibilities rather than misleading claims on social media.
In the video, Duffy highlighted Buttigieg’s record on trucking certifications and air travel, alongside initiatives like new “air mobility” vehicles and investments in a maritime academy. Trump’s montage included references to improvements in the air traffic control system, which Buttigieg oversaw, along with funds for aspiring aviation safety professionals.
Beyond highlighting individual figures and funding, Duffy urged the Senate to pass a $12.5 billion amendment for the air traffic system.
He shared details of a $750 million investment aimed at modernizing air traffic control towers across the country, alongside announcements about funds designated for upgrading federal contract towers.
Duffy also focused on tightening truck driver licensing requirements, claiming, “Mr. Buttigieg did not enforce the law.” He noted efforts to address standards by highlighting California’s revocation of 17,000 truck licenses from individuals deemed unsafe drivers.
He pointed out that funding had been withheld from states like New York and California due to lax regulations, calling attention to significant illegal permit issues revealed in New York.
As the conversation unfolds, Buttigieg, who previously served as transportation secretary until 2025, is becoming a potential candidate for the Democratic presidential race in 2028, following his earlier presidential run in 2020. It remains to be seen how these critiques will shape public perception and the political landscape.
