In making the announcement on Truth Social, Trump praised Duffy for his service and bipartisan admiration, expressing confidence in his ability to enhance the nation’s infrastructure and revitalize travel through a focus on safety, efficiency, and innovation. Duffy, a father of nine and husband to Fox News personality Rachel Campos-Duffy, has a unique background that includes time as a prosecutor and a reality TV star on shows like “The Real World.”

If confirmed, Duffy will follow Pete Buttigieg, who took the helm under President Biden in 2021. He will inherit significant challenges including ongoing safety concerns at Boeing and the looming specter of labor disputes, especially amid Trump's intended revisions to vehicle emission regulations. As Trump continues assembling his team, he seems to favor loyal allies over traditional policy experts, signaling a new direction for his administration as the 2024 election cycle unfolds.