Trump nominates former U.S. Rep. Duffy to head USDOT

Editor's note: This story has been updated with statements from the Association of American Railroads and the Railway Supply Institute.

President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Sean Duffy, a Fox News contributor and former congressman from Wisconsin, to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In a statement on his social media site Truth Social, Trump yesterday said Duffy as U.S. transportation secretary "will use his experience and the relationships he has built over many years in Congress to maintain and rebuild our nation's infrastructure, and fulfill our mission of ushering in the golden age of travel, focusing on safety, efficiency and innovation." 

A Republican, Duffy represented Wisconsin's 7th congressional district from 2011 to 2019.

Several transportation associations offered their congratulations to Duffy for his nomination. 

"We look forward to working with Secretary-designee Duffy upon his confirmation, focusing on shared priorities essential to our nation’s success: ensuring safe, efficient transportation that reduces costs, bolsters domestic manufacturing and enhances competitiveness," said Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies in a prepared statement. "Freight railroads are committed to partnering with the incoming Trump administration and USDOT to improve safety and strengthen supply chains nationwide.”

Railway Supply Institute President Patty Long said her association is looking forward to working with Duffy and the new administration to advance priorities that benefit the railway supply industry. 

“Rail is a core component of our nation’s transportation infrastructure, and our members are essential to its success. By investing in rail, we strengthen our economy, reduce emissions, and connect communities to benefit all Americans," said Long.

Duffy's congressional experience will be important as Congress begins to consider reauthorizing federal surface transportation programs, said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, in a press release.

“Every state department of transportation in the country is currently hard at work improving safety and quality of life in their communities one project at a time. This is made possible through the federal-state partnership that has existed for over 100 years," Tymon said. "We look forward to working with the secretary-designee as well as the Trump administration to ensure the continued delivery of a safe, efficient, multimodal transportation system for all."

American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear said Duffy supported pro-trucking policies while in Congress.

"Roads and bridges are our shop floor. We know Congressman Duffy understands that and the opportunity now before us to improve our transportation network by reducing congestion, investing in truck parking, enhancing highway safety and supporting the development of innovative technologies," Spear said.

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who co-chairs U.S. High Speed Rail, said he looks forward to working with Duffy to advance high-speed rail projects across the nation.

"A clear majority of voters support the construction of a nationwide high-speed rail network, as more than two dozen nations have done, with China now leading the way," LaHood said. "The American people want and deserve a high-speed rail network that reduces gridlock, creates jobs and helps America lead the world in the 21st century.”