Tensions Rise Between Trump Administration and Hillary Clinton Over USAID and Transportation Safety
A member of President Donald Trump’s administration engaged in a heated exchange with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton regarding the activities of Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in identifying wasteful spending linked to USAID. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy responded to Clinton’s criticism after he announced that DOGE personnel would assist the department in upgrading its aviation systems, especially following two deadly plane crashes during his brief time in office.
Clinton asserted that under Duffy’s leadership, the department has “deteriorated,” conveniently overlooking the various transportation accidents that occurred during former Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s four-year term. She also questioned the qualifications of the DOGE personnel, suggesting that many lack the necessary experience, stating, “Most of them aren’t old enough to rent a car. And you’re going to let them mess with airline safety that’s already deteriorated on your watch?” in a post on X.
In response, Duffy argued that the issues within federal government operations stem from “experienced Washington bureaucrats” and that the “nation’s infrastructure is crumbling” under their oversight. He urged Clinton to refrain from commenting and proceeded to claim that Musk’s team had uncovered “extreme grifting” by both Bill and Hillary Clinton through USAID.
“I know you’re lashing out because DOGE is uncovering your family’s obscene grifting via USAID, but I won’t let you lie and distort facts,” Duffy, a former Fox News host, stated in a Thursday post. He emphasized his commitment to using innovative technology to enhance safety in transportation and infrastructure, stating, “Your team had its chance and failed. We’re moving on because the American people expect us to make America’s transportation system great again. And yes, we’re bringing the 22-year-olds with us.”
Duffy’s comments come in the wake of rail accidents, including a significant chemical spill in Ohio during the Biden-Harris administration, and ongoing issues with Boeing aircraft that have led to emergencies. In his recent confirmation hearing, Duffy expressed a priority to restore confidence in Boeing and reassert safety measures through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), acknowledging the need for rigorous oversight.
He also affirmed his commitment to letting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continue its investigation into the safety of Tesla’s advanced driving technology, which is led by Musk.
Additionally, a senior official from the Biden administration defended Buttigieg after he blamed Trump for the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which caused an environmental catastrophe. The official refuted Buttigieg’s accusations, stating that the responsibility for the accident lies with the rail carrier, Norfolk Southern, rather than political figures.
