Duffy blasts Buttigieg for slow electric car stations

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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized his predecessor Pete Buttigieg’s handling of electric vehicle (EV) charging station development during a Sunday interview, pointing to burdensome requirements that hindered progress.

According to Duffy, Buttigieg’s emphasis on environmental and social justice criteria in contract requirements created significant obstacles in the buildout process. He noted that even members of the Democratic party expressed frustration with the sluggish implementation.

The Secretary highlighted the inadequate number of EV charging stations constructed under the previous administration, with only 58 completed despite substantial funding. While $2 billion has been allocated to ongoing projects, an additional $3 billion remains unused. Duffy mentioned that the administration is revising spending guidelines, though Congress will ultimately determine the fate of these funds. He also questioned why private industry wasn’t taking the lead on charging station development instead of relying on government funding.

JUST IN: The Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has ordered his employees to respond to Elon Musk’s email asking them to list five things they did last week.
⁰“At DOT, I have no problem with employees here saying, ‘What did you do last week?’ and if you can’t… pic.twitter.com/luUCNaeT9v

— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) February 24, 2025

During his recent visit to Los Angeles, Duffy announced a review of California’s troubled high-speed rail project, which faces massive cost overruns totaling $100 billion. Despite receiving voter approval in 2008 and substantial federal support, including $2.6 billion in funding and an additional $4 billion commitment from the Biden administration, the project has shown minimal progress.

“Who got rich on this project?” Duffy demanded.

He expressed more optimism about a proposed Los Angeles to Las Vegas rail connection, citing genuine private sector interest. However, he criticized liberal infrastructure initiatives, stating that they “can’t lay tracks, they can’t meet the promises that are made,” while attempting to push commuters toward public transit options. “They’re pushing money, and people, into projects that are garbage.”

Today I joined U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to announce an investigation into CA High-Speed Rail, which could claw back $4.3 billion in federal funds. Amusingly, a few protestors showed up in support of the boondoggle.  

The High-Speed Rail disaster is the worst… pic.twitter.com/0sHYSVjCJc

— Kevin Kiley (@KevinKileyCA) February 20, 2025

Addressing recent aviation incidents, Duffy explained that while each crash appeared to have distinct causes, the administration plans to modernize outdated air traffic control systems, some of which still utilize 1980s-era technology like floppy disks and headphones. The upgrades will prioritize merit-based hiring practices.

Additionally, Duffy revealed plans to potentially allow qualified individuals under 21 to become truck drivers, addressing industry shortages that impact shipping and supply chain operations.