Mr. Duffy, a former congressman who had appeared on track to sail through with little opposition, overcame a last-minute swell of Democratic anger over the White House’s sweeping funding freeze.

Sean Duffy has been officially sworn in as the Secretary of Transportation of the United States following his approval by the US Senate, with the official now leading the Department of Transportation (DOT) during a challenging era for US airspace.

The Senate has confirmed former Wisconsin Rep. Sean Duffy as President Donald Trump’s Transportation secretary, capping a relatively smooth process. The chamber voted 77-22 on Tuesday afternoon. In contrast, the Senate on Monday voted 97-0 to wind down debate on Duffy. Some Democrats voted “no” to protest White House actions on spending.

President Trump's priorities of immigration enforcement and promoting U.S. interests in the Panama Canal lead the political agenda in Washington.

FILE PHOTO: Sean Duffy, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be transportation secretary, testifies during a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 15, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo

Former Wisconsin Rep Sean Duffy wins Senate confirmation to lead Transportation Department, securing support from both parties in 77-22 vote.

Duffy does not have a background in transportation, similar to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg when he arrived four years ago.

Sean Duffy previously told lawmakers his priorities leading the Transportation Department include aviation and highway safety as well as addressing the air traffic controller shortage.