WASHINGTON, D.C. — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized his predecessor, Pete Buttigieg, accusing him of failing to address the nation’s air traffic controller shortage and mismanaging the Department of Transportation.
“Mayor Pete failed for four years to address the air traffic controller shortage and upgrade our outdated, World War II-era air traffic control system,” Duffy said. “In less than four weeks, we have already begun the process and are engaging the smartest minds in the entire world.”
Duffy defended the recent layoffs at the Federal Aviation Administration, stating that fewer than 400 probationary employees were let go, none of whom were air traffic controllers or critical safety personnel. “The FAA alone has a staggering 45,000 employees,” he said. “Zero air traffic controllers and critical safety personnel were let go.”
He also accused Buttigieg of prioritizing environmental policies over transportation efficiency. “Mayor Pete chose to use this amazing department—that is so critical to America’s success—as a slush fund for the green new scam and environmental justice nonsense,” Duffy said.
Duffy vowed to refocus the Department of Transportation on safety and efficiency, saying he “will not rest” until the agency is back on track.
