In a notable cabinet shuffle, President-elect Donald Trump has tapped former congressman Sean Duffy as the new U.S. Secretary of Transportation according to Fox News.
On Monday, the transition team for President-elect Donald Trump announced a significant appointment to his impending administration. Sean Duffy, a recognizable face from Wisconsin politics and the media, has been nominated to spearhead the Department of Transportation.
Duffy's recent role as a commentator and co-host on Fox Business Network's "The Bottom Line" concluded abruptly with this new career trajectory.
His departure from Fox News Media was confirmed on the same day as his nomination, marking a major transition from media engagement to a full-time focus on public service in transportation.
Bringing to the table a rich history of leadership and advocacy, Duffy's previous experience in Congress for nearly nine years positions him as a well-grounded choice for this role. Representing Wisconsin’s Seventh Congressional District, he has been deeply involved in financial issues, notably serving as the chair of the Sub-Committee on Insurance and Housing.
Before his tenure in Congress, Duffy served as the district attorney for Ashland County, Wisconsin. In this capacity, he pioneered the prosecution of child internet sex crimes in the state, focusing specifically on protecting the young and vulnerable. His legal career highlighted a commitment to justice and safety, themes he hopes to translate into his new role focused on transportation safety and infrastructure.
Donald Trump praised Duffy for his commitment to public service, from his start as a district attorney to his congressional role.
"Sean will use his experience and the relationships he has built over many years in Congress to maintain and rebuild our Nation’s Infrastructure," Trump stated, underscoring Duffy’s potential to drive forward national projects emphasizing safety, efficiency, and innovation.
Trump also highlighted that Duffy is expected to significantly enhance the travel experience for all Americans, hinting at wide-spanning improvements in how U.S. transportation systems serve the public.
Responses to the nomination were quick to emerge from various quarters. A spokesperson for Fox News Media expressed their good wishes for Duffy as he departs from his media role to return to Washington, referring to his tenure on "The Bottom Line" as filled with valuable insights.
The aviation sector particularly anticipates Duffy's leadership. Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO of ACI-NA, spoke highly of the urgent need to modernize airport infrastructure.
Pointing to the rising volumes of air travel, Burke emphasized the necessity for federal support in enhancing airport facilities to better serve travelers and support economic growth.
Looking forward, collaboration between Duffy and the new Congress will be crucial, as Burke noted. He expressed eagerness to work with Duffy and the incoming administration to secure the essential funding and policy alignments needed to update the nation's airports.
On a personal note, Sean Duffy is married to Rachel Campos-Duffy, a co-host on FOX & Friends Weekend.
They share nine children, illustrating a busy and dynamic family life. Together, the couple has ventured into the literary world, co-authoring "All American Christmas," a book that has reached bestseller status in the nonfiction category.
This blend of personal and professional accomplishments paints Duffy as a multifaceted individual, equipped not only with legal and legislative expertise but also with a deep understanding of media and communication.
Duffy's background in law, media, and legislation, combined with a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency, sets the stage for potential advancements in the nation’s transportation infrastructure and travel experience, aligning with broader economic goals and enhanced public services.