Sean Duffy Sworn in as Transportation Secretary Just Hours Before American Airlines Crash: What You Need to Know

Sean Duffy, the new Secretary of Transportation, took office on January 29, 2025. Just weeks earlier, he promised to boost travel safety during his confirmation hearing. Tragically, shortly after his swearing-in, a passenger plane collided with a Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, marking a significant aviation disaster in the U.S.

Duffy, a former congressman known for his time on TV and reality shows, had a strong focus on safety. He emphasized the need to tackle the 40,000 annual deaths from roadway accidents, sharing a personal story about his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, who survived a severe car crash. He vowed to prioritize road safety and reduce the bureaucracy slowing down infrastructure improvements.

In aviation, he highlighted the importance of increasing the number of air traffic controllers and modernizing systems with the latest technology. He aimed to collaborate with Congress and the FAA to strengthen global confidence in U.S. aviation.

Described as a low-key nominee, Duffy was confirmed by the Senate with a notable bipartisan vote. His swearing-in ceremony was attended by family members, including his wife and their nine children. The couple’s roots in reality TV date back to their time on MTV, where they first met.

On the evening of the tragic collision, Duffy moved quickly to monitor the situation, expressing condolences for the victims and assuring families that the Department of Transportation and FAA would support investigative efforts by the NTSB.

At a White House briefing the day after the incident, Duffy expressed his outrage over the crash. He stated that travelers should trust that they will reach their destinations safely and insisted on taking responsibility for necessary reforms to prevent such accidents in the future.

While the NTSB leads the investigation into the crash, Duffy remains committed to ensuring safety in U.S. transportation, taking his role seriously in the wake of this tragedy.

Source link