Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s tenure is under scrutiny as reports emerge about his department’s spending priorities. While air traffic control systems remained outdated, tens of billions of dollars were allocated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This allocation has sparked controversy among industry insiders, raising questions about the focus and effectiveness of the Department of Transportation (DOT) under Buttigieg’s leadership.
This article delves into the details of the DOT’s spending during Buttigieg’s term, examining the allocation of funds, the impact on air traffic control upgrades, and the perspectives of industry insiders. It also explores the broader implications of these decisions on the efficiency and safety of air travel.
Key points covered include: The DOT’s substantial investment in DEI grants, the delays in modernizing air traffic control systems, reactions from airline industry officials, Buttigieg’s response to concerns about air traffic control staffing shortages, and the political context surrounding these decisions.
Massive DEI Spending Under Buttigieg
Federal spending records reveal that Pete Buttigieg’s DOT spent approximately $80 billion on diversity, equity, and inclusion grants over four years. This figure represents at least half of the DOT’s entire budget for a typical fiscal year. Airline industry insiders have expressed concerns that these funds could have been better used to address critical infrastructure needs, particularly modernizing air traffic control systems.
An air industry official stated,
‘He was definitely pushing an agenda.’
This sentiment suggests that Buttigieg prioritized DEI initiatives over other pressing transportation issues. Critics argue that this focus led to the neglect of essential upgrades, affecting the flying public.
The allocation of such a significant portion of the DOT’s budget to DEI initiatives raises questions about the criteria used for grant selection and the overall effectiveness of these programs. While proponents argue that DEI initiatives promote inclusivity and social equity, critics contend that they may divert resources from critical infrastructure projects.
The substantial investment in DEI initiatives came at a time when the air industry faced numerous challenges, including outdated technology and staffing shortages. The delay in air traffic control upgrades has been cited as a contributing factor to flight delays and cancellations, impacting passengers and airlines alike.
Air Traffic Control Modernization Delayed
While Buttigieg’s DOT was investing heavily in DEI grants, air traffic control systems remained outdated. According to airline industry insiders, Buttigieg showed “little to no interest” in air traffic control modernization and took “definitely zero action” toward improving the systems. Sources claim that Buttigieg questioned the value of upgrading air traffic control, suggesting it would only benefit airlines by allowing them to fly more planes.
The failure to modernize air traffic control systems has had tangible consequences for the flying public. The DOT’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics has data indicating that a notable percentage of flight delays and cancellations are attributable to failures in the national aviation system.
Chris Meagher, a spokesman for Buttigieg, disputed these claims, pointing to increased air traffic controller hiring and investments to improve efficiency at airport runways. Meagher also noted the development of communications technology aimed at decreasing flight delays. However, industry officials maintain that these efforts were insufficient to address the underlying issues.
The FAA has been chronically understaffed for years, employing only around 80% of the target for certified professional controllers since fiscal year 2017. This staffing shortage exacerbates the problems caused by outdated technology, leading to further delays and cancellations.
Buttigieg Blames Airlines for Delays
During his tenure, Buttigieg often blamed the airlines for delays, accusing them of “vilifying” the industry and denying that DEI initiatives led to air traffic control staffing shortages. This approach drew criticism from airline industry officials, who argued that Buttigieg was deflecting responsibility from the FAA and the DOT. Industry officials contended that much of the infrastructure law’s funding went to maintenance rather than modernization.
Airline industry officials acknowledged that carrier delays persisted coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. They argued that much of the infrastructure law’s funding ‘went to maintenance’ of facilities and equipment, not ‘modernization.’
Adding to the complexity of the situation, surging retirements from veteran air traffic controllers and high dropout rates in training programs further strained the system. These factors contributed to a shortage of qualified personnel, making it difficult to maintain an efficient and reliable air traffic control system.
Despite the requested changes to the air traffic control systems early in his term, Buttigieg seemed more interested in being “good on TV” than addressing the systemic issues that were affecting millions of passengers per year, officials said.
Infrastructure Law and Funding Allocation
President Biden’s infrastructure law allocated $5 billion to improve air traffic facilities’ towers and power systems. However, airline industry officials argued that much of this funding was directed toward maintenance rather than modernization efforts. This discrepancy in funding allocation has fueled concerns that the DOT is not prioritizing the long-term needs of the aviation system.
Biden’s budget request for fiscal year 2025 included another $8 billion in funding, which congressional Republicans blocked. This partisan divide over transportation funding further complicates the efforts to modernize air traffic control systems and address other critical infrastructure needs.
Chris Meagher stated,
‘Secretary Buttigieg’s focus was always on safety — not just in aviation, but also on roads and bridges, where 40,000 Americans die on our country’s roads each year. Fixing issues with air traffic control was a priority.’
Airline industry officials have called for greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of transportation funds. They argue that a more strategic and targeted approach is needed to ensure that resources are used effectively to address the most pressing challenges facing the aviation system.
DEI Grants vs. Previous Administrations
Under Buttigieg’s leadership, the DOT approved roughly 400 DEI-related grants between 2021 and 2024. In contrast, the previous administration approved just 60 grants for diversity, equity, or inclusion initiatives, totaling no more than a few billion dollars. This significant increase in DEI spending has raised eyebrows and fueled criticism from those who believe resources should be prioritized differently.
Programs such as “Reconnecting Communities” ended up allocating 55% of funds to “disadvantaged communities,” pursuant to an executive order signed by President Biden to “advance equitable outcomes.”
Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure law in 2021 provided much of the funding, but some Democrats were critical of the outcomes — including a $5 billion equity effort to build 500,000 electric vehicle charging stations that resulted in very few chargers actually being built.
These figures underscore the significant shift in spending priorities under Buttigieg’s leadership. While DEI initiatives have their proponents, critics argue that the magnitude of investment in these programs diverted resources from other critical areas, including air traffic control modernization.
Consumer Protection Measures
Buttigieg’s DOT sought to improve consumer rights and protections, such as implementing a federal rule giving passengers compensation for every delay and cancellation of up to $1,000. Just 12 days before the election, Buttigieg’s DOT moved to implement this rule, prompting a blistering statement from a top airline trade association, calling it a political stunt.
According to Chris Meagher,
‘Secretary Buttigieg is proud of the work he did to improve the rights and protections of consumers — like guaranteeing automatic refunds, working to ensure parents can sit with their children for no charge when they fly, and ensuring that passengers whose wheelchairs are damaged are compensated if airlines damage them.’
Meagher also noted that USDOT ensured nearly $3 billion in refunds to consumers due to investigations into consumer complaints.
Such measures aimed to hold airlines accountable for disruptions and inconveniences experienced by passengers. While consumer advocates praised these efforts, airline industry officials viewed them as punitive and politically motivated.
Internal White House polling showed that airline issues and airline consumer issues were key polling successes. At this point that White House didn’t have a lot to sink their teeth into from a PR standpoint.
Expert Perspectives on Buttigieg’s Tenure
David Grizzle, who served as the FAA’s chief counsel, acting deputy administrator, and chief operating officer of its Air Traffic Organization under President Barack Obama, noted that it wasn’t abnormal for a transportation secretary to pay less attention to aviation than highways or bridges. He pointed out that the shortfall in budget began in the 2010s and has worsened over time.
Grizzle stated,
‘There certainly were no remarkable achievements in aviation during his [Buttigieg’s] term.’
He added that with the passage of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill earlier this month, Republicans have now approved $12.5 billion in additional spending for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to revamp the old Federal Aviation Administration systems.
He also noted,
‘It’s not so much that prior administrations have been especially indifferent; he’s just been exceedingly attentive,’
said of Duffy.
‘I’ve been on blue ribbon panels in Trump and Biden. … He will stand out for decades as one of the most engaged secretaries we’ve had.’
These perspectives highlight the complexities and challenges of managing a large and multifaceted department like the DOT. While Buttigieg’s tenure may have been marked by controversy, it also reflects the ongoing debates about transportation priorities and funding allocation.
Buttigieg’s Political Future
Despite the criticism surrounding his tenure as Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg remains a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. An Emerson College poll of registered voters found him leading the 2028 Democratic presidential primary field, followed by ex-Vice President Kamala Harris. An Echelon Insights poll showed him in second place for the potential primary.
These polling results suggest that Buttigieg still has a strong base of support within the Democratic Party, positioning him as a potential contender for future leadership roles. However, the controversies surrounding his time as Transportation Secretary may pose challenges to his political aspirations.
As Buttigieg continues to navigate the political landscape, his record as Transportation Secretary will likely be subject to ongoing scrutiny and debate. The decisions he made regarding spending priorities and infrastructure investments will shape his legacy and influence his future prospects.
Conclusion
Pete Buttigieg’s term as Transportation Secretary was marked by a significant investment in DEI initiatives, which sparked controversy among airline industry insiders. Critics argued that these funds could have been better used to address critical infrastructure needs, particularly modernizing air traffic control systems. While Buttigieg and his supporters defended these spending priorities, pointing to increased air traffic controller hiring and consumer protection measures, airline industry officials maintained that these efforts were insufficient.
The decisions made during Buttigieg’s tenure reflect broader debates about transportation priorities and funding allocation. As Buttigieg continues to navigate the political landscape, his record as Transportation Secretary will likely be subject to ongoing scrutiny and debate, shaping his legacy and influencing his future prospects. The impact of his policies on the efficiency and safety of air travel will continue to be a subject of discussion and analysis.
Ultimately, the legacy of Pete Buttigieg’s tenure as Transportation Secretary will depend on how these decisions are viewed in the long term. As the aviation system continues to evolve and face new challenges, the choices made during his time in office will have lasting consequences.
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