‘Extreme Grifting’

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently responded to public criticism over his department’s collaboration with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), currently led by Elon Musk. The partnership aims to implement improvements in the U.S. aviation system following a series of incidents that have raised concerns about safety and modernization.

The tension emerged after former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton voiced skepticism on social media, questioning the qualifications of DOGE staff and raising doubts about the plan to allow them to contribute to aviation safety upgrades. Clinton noted the youth and limited direct aviation experience of the DOGE team.

Duffy, defending the initiative, argued that long-standing issues within federal agencies stem from decades of bureaucratic inefficiency. He emphasized that innovation and technology are key to revitalizing the transportation sector and restoring public confidence.

“We’re using fresh talent and advanced tools to tackle longstanding problems,” Duffy stated. “This is about results, not resumes.”

He further claimed that the DOGE team had identified misused funds in past government programs, sparking wider conversations about financial accountability in federal spending.

The debate comes amid broader concerns about safety in various modes of transportation. Multiple recent rail and aviation incidents, including chemical spills and mid-flight mechanical failures, have put pressure on the Department of Transportation to act decisively. Duffy, during his recent confirmation hearing, pledged to work closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other agencies to ensure safety and restore public trust in manufacturers like Boeing.

One of the key priorities he outlined is to ensure that investigations into aviation and automotive safety—including those involving Tesla’s driver assistance technologies—are thorough and independent.

“Yes, I will let the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continue its investigation into advanced driving systems,” Duffy confirmed during his Senate hearing.

The department’s push to modernize has faced both support and skepticism, with some applauding the effort to involve tech leaders and others urging caution to ensure that changes are grounded in expertise and safety standards.

Meanwhile, broader debates continue over accountability and modernization across federal agencies, particularly in response to high-profile infrastructure incidents over recent years.