Trump names Fuchs chair of STB

Editor's note: This story has been updated with a quote from Patrick Fuchs.

President Donald Trump yesterday designated Patrick Fuchs chairman of the Surface Transportation Board. He succeeds Robert Primus, who has chaired the board since May 2024.

Fuchs was sworn in as an STB member on Jan. 17, 2019, and reconfirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 14, 2024. His second term expires Jan. 14, 2029, according to his bio on the STB website.

"I am grateful to President Trump for the honor of this appointment,” said Chairman Fuchs in a press release. “I look forward to engaging with all those affected by the board’s work to promote transparency, accountability and collaboration to help strengthen our nation’s transportation network.”

Prior to his appointment, Fuchs was a senior professional staff member working on surface transportation and maritime issues for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation under the leadership of Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.).

Fuchs has played an integral role in the development and enactment of major railroad legislation, including the first reauthorization of the STB since its creation in 1996, Fuchs' bio states. He also worked on legislation to improve rail project delivery, rail financing and hazardous materials safety — all of which were enacted as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act).

Before he worked for Thune, Fuchs was a policy analyst and Presidential Management Fellow at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), where he managed railroad and maritime regulatory reviews and worked on regulations pertaining to rail safety technology, rail tank car safety and railroad operating practices.

Association of American Railroads President and CEO Ian Jefferies praised Fuchs as a "thoughtful, solutions-oriented leader who lets data drive the decision-making process."

Jefferies added: "Throughout his career, he has been committed to maintaining the balanced regulatory framework that allows railroads to invest while also offering appropriate remedies for rail customers."

Fuchs' career history also includes stints with the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the National Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education.

A Wisconsin native, Fuchs earned a master's degree in public affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.