A heated online exchange took place between Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk. Duffy had mentioned that Musk’s team would help upgrade the aviation systems following deadly crashes, prompting Clinton to criticize the department’s leadership under Duffy. She questioned the experience of DOGE personnel, stating that most of them were too young to handle complex aviation safety concerns.

Duffy fired back, claiming that it was experienced Washington bureaucrats, not Musk’s team, who were responsible for the country’s infrastructure issues. He also accused Clinton and her family of “extreme grifting” through USAID, adding that Musk’s team had uncovered these issues. Duffy emphasized that the Trump administration was committed to using innovative technology to improve the nation’s transportation system, rejecting Clinton’s criticisms.

The conversation highlighted ongoing issues in U.S. transportation infrastructure, including mishaps during both Duffy’s and former Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s tenures. In particular, rail accidents and problems with Boeing aircraft have drawn scrutiny. Duffy has stated his priority would be to restore confidence in aviation safety, particularly with Boeing and its recent challenges.

Meanwhile, Duffy confirmed his commitment to allowing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to continue investigating Tesla’s advanced driving technology. His remarks came amid broader scrutiny of the Biden administration’s handling of infrastructure safety and its response to accidents, including a train derailment in Ohio earlier this year.