Trump Nominates Former Wisconsin Congressman Sean Duffy for Secretary of Transportation

Donald Trump has officially announced his nomination of Sean Duffy, the former U.S. Representative for Wisconsin's 7th District, to serve as Secretary of Transportation. A former prosecutor and long-time political figure, Duffy is well-known for his tenure in Congress and his role as a Fox News contributor. If confirmed, he would take on the responsibility of overseeing the nation’s vast transportation infrastructure, including rail, transit, and air travel, at a time when the department has a budget of approximately $110 billion.

Who is Sean Duffy?

Sean Duffy served in Congress for over eight years, representing Wisconsin's 7th District. During his time in Washington, he gained recognition as a conservative voice and worked on several bipartisan projects, including a major infrastructure initiative in the Upper Midwest. One of his notable achievements was his involvement in the St. Croix Crossing project, a significant bridge and road development between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Duffy’s leadership in working with Democrats to push the project forward earned him praise on both sides of the political aisle.

After leaving Congress in 2019 to focus on his family—particularly his newborn daughter, who was born with a heart defect—Duffy became a familiar face as a Fox News contributor. He co-hosted the Fox Business Network program The Bottom Line and frequently provided political analysis and commentary. His wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, is also a prominent figure at Fox News, co-hosting Fox & Friends Weekend. The couple, who have nine children, is well-known in conservative circles.

Duffy’s Transportation Vision

If confirmed as Secretary of Transportation, Duffy would take charge of a department with more than 55,000 employees, overseeing critical infrastructure projects, transit systems, and the nation’s transportation safety. The department also manages funding from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure bill, which allocated significant resources to modernize the country’s roads, bridges, and public transportation networks.

Duffy is no stranger to transportation issues. During his time in Congress, he was outspoken about the challenges facing U.S. infrastructure and critical transportation systems. He was especially critical of the handling of airline travel disruptions, particularly in the wake of 2022’s travel chaos under the leadership of current Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Trump's statement emphasized Duffy’s collaborative efforts to overcome legislative hurdles, highlighting his work with Democrats to secure funding for large-scale infrastructure projects.

Duffy’s Legacy and Family Life

Duffy’s decision to step down from Congress in 2019 was deeply personal. He chose to focus on caring for his daughter, who faced serious health challenges. His commitment to family, alongside his nine children, has shaped much of his public image, and it’s something Trump referenced in his endorsement: “The husband of a wonderful woman, Rachel Campos-Duffy, and the father of nine incredible children, Sean knows how important it is for families to be able to travel safely, and with peace of mind,” the president-elect said in his announcement.

Fox News Bid Farewell to Duffy

As Duffy transitions back into the political spotlight, Fox News expressed gratitude for his contributions, noting his valuable insights and analysis. The network confirmed that Duffy will be leaving his role at Fox, with the evening program The Bottom Line now moving forward with Dagen McDowell and rotating co-hosts. “We wish him the best of luck in his return to Washington,” a Fox spokesperson said.

What’s Next for Duffy?

Should Duffy be confirmed by the Senate, he will inherit the enormous responsibility of managing a critical department in the federal government. His leadership would come at a pivotal time as the U.S. seeks to modernize its transportation infrastructure and address long-standing challenges in the rail, road, and air travel systems.