Washington, D.C. – Former Congressman and Fox Business host Sean Duffy was officially sworn in as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation yesterday by Vice President JD Vance. His appointment, strongly endorsed by key industry players such as the American Maritime Partnership, has been well received by maritime stakeholders. The Shipbuilders Council of America, through its president Matthew Paxton, expressed optimism about Duffy’s leadership, particularly in addressing domestic shipbuilding, ship repair, and maritime infrastructure challenges.
Despite the maritime industry’s support for his appointment, Duffy’s initial actions as Secretary of Transportation appeared to focus on a broader political agenda. In one of his first executive decisions, he authorized sweeping measures to align USDOT policies with President Donald Trump’s administration priorities. These actions were framed as efforts to eliminate what he described as “burdensome and costly regulations,” refocus government policies on economic growth, and reverse what he called a prioritization of “far-left agendas” over practical transportation solutions.
“Today’s actions mark an important step in restoring commonsense governance and merit-based policies at USDOT,” said Secretary Duffy. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are focused on eliminating excessive regulations that have hindered economic growth, increased costs for American families, and prioritized far-left agendas over practical solutions. The American people deserve an efficient, safe, and pro-growth transportation system based on sound decision-making, not political ideologies. These actions will help us deliver on that promise.”
Among his first formal moves, Duffy signed two key memoranda. The most significant of these, the “Woke Rescission” Memorandum, directs department officials to identify and eliminate policies implemented during the Biden administration that support climate change initiatives, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, racial equity, gender identity policies, and environmental justice efforts. This directive aligns with Trump’s latest executive orders, including Order 14148, which targets the repeal of past administration policies, and Order 14151, which aims to end government DEI programs and preferential treatment based on diversity objectives.
While the directive has been met with support from conservative policymakers, it is likely to face scrutiny and opposition from industry groups that have benefitted from federal programs promoting sustainability and workforce diversity. Many transportation and logistics companies, including those in the maritime and breakbulk sectors, have previously leveraged federal grants and incentives aimed at modernizing fleets, improving port infrastructure, and promoting workforce inclusivity.
It remains to be seen how Duffy’s policies will impact maritime operations, particularly as the industry grapples with supply chain disruptions, shipyard modernization efforts, and increasing competition in global shipping. With maritime leaders initially hopeful about his appointment, industry observers will be closely watching how his administration balances economic deregulation with the practical needs of U.S. transportation networks.
For now, Secretary Duffy appears focused on executing a policy realignment, signaling a shift in how the USDOT will operate under the Trump administration’s second term.
