WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has selected former Wisconsin Representative Sean Duffy as his nominee for the position of transportation secretary. This decision adds to Trump’s ongoing announcement of his Cabinet appointments.
Duffy, who has gained public attention as a reality TV personality and a prominent supporter of Trump, served nearly nine years in the House of Representatives. During his tenure, he was an active member of the Financial Services Committee and chaired the subcommittee on insurance and housing. After leaving Congress in 2019, he transitioned to media as a co-host on Fox Business’s “Bottom Line.”
In his announcement, Trump highlighted Duffy’s personal connection to media, noting that Duffy is married to Rachel Campos-Duffy, a well-known host on Fox News. Trump emphasized Duffy’s ability to leverage his congressional experience and relationships in addressing the nation’s infrastructure needs, aiming to usher in what he described as “The Golden Age of Travel,” with a focus on safety, efficiency, and innovation that would enhance the travel experience for all Americans.
Notably, in 2022, Duffy declined to run for governor of Wisconsin despite Trump’s encouragement, citing his responsibilities to his family, including nine children, and the health concerns of his youngest child who has a heart condition.
In addition to his political career, Duffy has a background as a lumberjack athlete and has been a frequent contributor to Fox News. His journey into the public eye began on MTV’s “The Real World: Boston” in 1997, where he met his future wife during another show, “Road Rules: All Stars,” in 1998.
As Trump assembles his Cabinet, Duffy’s nomination is seen as a strategic addition that combines media savvy with political experience, potentially reinforcing the administration’s focus on major infrastructure projects.
This nomination could pave the way for significant advancements in American travel infrastructure while also reflecting the increasing intersection of politics and media in contemporary governance. The hope is that Duffy, drawing from his extensive experience, will bring innovative solutions to the nation’s transportation challenges.