As Pete Buttigieg begins testing the waters for a presidential bid, his tenure as Secretary of Transportation under the Biden administration is facing renewed and intensified scrutiny — and the record emerging is raising serious questions.
According to a New York Post investigation backed by federal spending records and airline industry insiders, Buttigieg prioritized billions in grant funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives while stalling or deprioritizing critical upgrades to the nation’s aging air traffic control (ATC) systems. Industry officials allege that Buttigieg showed “little to no interest” in modernization efforts, even as delays and cancellations plagued air travelers across the country.
In one instance cited by an aviation executive, Buttigieg reportedly dismissed the urgency of upgrading ATC systems by suggesting it would simply “put more airplanes into the air,” which, the source said, he viewed as politically disadvantageous. At the time, the Department of Transportation was downplaying the link between persistent flight disruptions and a national shortage of air traffic controllers — a shortage the FAA later confirmed.
“He was definitely pushing an agenda,” said one official familiar with internal discussions. “And that agenda didn’t include actually fixing the systems passengers rely on.”
While delays stacked up, Buttigieg’s department faced criticism for deflecting blame onto airlines, despite evidence that government infrastructure was a growing factor. Meanwhile, DEI programming surged, with billions allocated across transportation sectors, sparking concern from stakeholders who believed safety and system efficiency were being sidelined.
A DOT spokesperson, Chris Meagher, pushed back on the allegations, pointing to software upgrades and rerouting strategies introduced under Buttigieg that he says increased airspace efficiency and reduced flight times. Meagher also noted an uptick in controller hiring and maintained that “fixing issues with air traffic control was a priority.”
“Suggesting that Secretary Buttigieg chose not to pursue air traffic control modernization is absurd,” Meagher said. “His focus was always on safety — not just in aviation, but also on roads and bridges.”
When questioned about the resources directed toward DEI programs amid growing infrastructure concerns, Meagher responded, “You can walk and chew gum at the same time,” adding that FAA operations are independent of other agencies like FHWA and NHTSA, with separate funding and staff.
Despite those defenses, multiple officials speaking to the Post claim Buttigieg was more focused on media appearances than the technical demands of his role. Their concerns echo points made in a Blaze Media documentary by Stu Burguiere, which warned that mismanagement in the Department of Transportation could have serious consequences for national mobility and safety.
Looking ahead, the Trump administration has signaled that restoring infrastructure integrity will be a cornerstone of its agenda. A proposed Republican infrastructure package includes a $12.5 billion increase for FAA system modernization, aimed at reversing delays and ensuring safer skies.
