Former congressman and Fox Business host Sean Duffy has been announced as President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for transportation secretary. The announcement, made on Monday, marks the second time Trump has selected a Fox News personality for a Cabinet position, following last week’s nomination of Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense. Hegseth has since stepped down from his role at Fox News.
In his statement, Trump praised Sean Duffy’s record as a public servant, describing him as “an exceptional and respected leader.” Trump emphasized Duffy’s contributions during his tenure in Congress, noting his advocacy for fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and rural development.
“Sean’s leadership in Congress earned him a reputation as a strong advocate for America’s economic progress,” Trump said. “He will bring that same commitment to improving our nation’s infrastructure, prioritizing safety, efficiency, innovation, and ensuring a better travel experience for all Americans. His work will help usher in a new golden age of transportation.”
Trump also highlighted Duffy’s aim to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the aviation sector, stating that his leadership would focus on eliminating such programs for pilots and air traffic controllers to prioritize other safety goals.
Duffy’s nomination will require Senate confirmation.
Sean Duffy’s career in public service and media
Sean Duffy, 53, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, representing Wisconsin’s 7th District. During his time in Congress, he was a member of the Financial Services Committee and chaired the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. Duffy stepped down from his Congressional role in 2019 after announcing that his son would be born with a congenital heart condition, citing the need to focus on his family.
Before entering Congress, Duffy served as a prosecutor in Ashland, Wisconsin, and later became the district attorney for Ashland County. His legal career provided him with experience in public service, which he later carried into his work as a lawmaker.
Sean Duffy first gained national attention in 1997 as a cast member on MTV’s reality show “The Real World: Boston.” This early brush with fame introduced him to a broader audience and later led to his marriage to Rachel Campos-Duffy, who was also a cast member on the MTV series “The Real World: San Francisco” in 1994. Campos-Duffy is now a television personality and contributor to Fox News.
Most recently, Duffy co-hosted Fox Business Network’s “The Bottom Line with Dagen and Duffy,” where he provided political analysis and insights. Fox News Media confirmed on Monday that Duffy would be leaving his position at the network, effective immediately, following the announcement of his Cabinet nomination.
“Sean Duffy has been an invaluable contributor to our programming, offering thoughtful analysis and perspectives,” Fox said in a statement.
A focus on infrastructure and innovation
If confirmed, Duffy will lead the Department of Transportation at a critical time, as the U.S. continues to address aging infrastructure and seeks innovative solutions for modern transportation challenges. Trump’s statement emphasized Duffy’s role in rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure and improving the overall travel experience for Americans. The goal, Trump noted, is to create a safer, more efficient transportation system while fostering economic growth.
Duffy’s nomination comes as Trump continues to build a Cabinet that reflects his vision for his second term. With a focus on infrastructure, national security, and economic reform, Trump’s selections signal his administration’s priorities heading into 2025.
As the Senate prepares to evaluate Duffy’s nomination, his background in public service, legal expertise, and recent experience in media will likely be points of discussion. His ability to navigate the complexities of the transportation sector and execute Trump’s vision for a modernized infrastructure will be closely scrutinized.
Duffy’s history as a public figure, from reality TV star to legislator and media personality, reflects a diverse career trajectory. Whether this unique background will resonate with lawmakers and secure his confirmation remains to be seen. For now, Duffy is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of America’s transportation system under Trump’s leadership.
