Buttigieg: ‘Everything’s not gonna be fine’ 

By Robin Bravender | 01/14/2025 01:57 PM EST

The outgoing Transportation secretary discussed his advice for young people, Elon Musk’s attempt to downsize the government and his own next steps. 

Pete Buttigieg speaks under a bridge

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks to a reporter Dec. 9, 2024, in Monroe, Michigan. Mike Householder/AP

ANN ARBOR, Michigan — “Inspire us,” a member of the crowd implored Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg here at the University of Michigan on Monday. “Give us hope on issues where we’re concerned about civil rights, climate change. Give us hope for the next couple years.”

Buttigieg paused for a beat.

“Well, first of all, I’m not discouraged. I’m sad sometimes about things that I see happening around me in Washington or on the news,” he said. “I did not come here to tell you everything’s gonna be fine. Everything’s not gonna be fine.”

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But, he told the university crowd, “everything’s never been fine.”

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