In September 2024, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy engaged in a heated exchange with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its efforts to address wasteful spending related to USAID.

Duffy had announced that Elon Musk’s team would help upgrade the aviation systems following deadly plane crashes during his tenure.

Clinton criticized the plan, claiming that DOGE personnel lacked the necessary experience to improve aviation safety. Duffy fired back, blaming “experienced Washington bureaucrats” for infrastructure issues, and accused the Clintons of “grifting” through USAID.

He also stressed the importance of using innovative technology to fix transportation systems, emphasizing that the department would move forward without Clinton’s involvement.