Trump’s DOT pick pledges evenhanded approach to job

By Mike Lee | 01/16/2025 06:59 AM EST

“I think there’s room in this space for EVs and gas-powered vehicles,” said former Republican Rep. Sean Duffy of Wisconsin.

Former Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.) testifies Wednesday before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on his nomination to be Transportation secretary.

Former Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.) testifies Wednesday before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on his nomination to be Transportation secretary. Susan Walsh/AP

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Transportation secretary vowed Wednesday to speed up permitting for oil and gas exports but also said he wouldn’t interfere with approved funding for Democratic priorities.

Sean Duffy, a former Wisconsin congressman and Fox Business host, handled a string of mostly friendly questions during a three-hour hearing in front of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

While he didn’t offer specifics, Duffy committed to Republican priorities such as speeding up the Maritime Administration’s approval of oil and gas export projects, reforming environmental permitting more generally and providing more information on California’s high-speed rail project.

Advertisement

At the same time, he said he wouldn’t interfere with funding that’s already been approved for Democratic priorities, such as electric vehicles, passenger rail, transit and sidewalks. He also pledged to continue the Transportation Department’s effort to reduce traffic deaths.

GET FULL ACCESS