Sean Duffy, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Department of Transportation secretary, will appear before the Senate for his Wednesday confirmation hearing.
From MTV reality star to former Wisconsin Republican congressman, Duffy has accrued various job titles in entertainment and politics over the years. He, like other nominees, is an ardent Trump supporter and defender.
Trump referred to Duffy as “a tremendous and well-liked public servant,” who will make “make our skies safe again by eliminating DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) for pilots and air traffic controllers.”
“Sean will use his experience and the relationships he has built over many years in Congress to maintain and rebuild our Nation’s Infrastructure, and fulfill our Mission of ushering in The Golden Age of Travel, focusing on Safety, Efficiency, and Innovation,” Trump said in statement about choosing Duffy. “Importantly, he will greatly elevate the Travel Experience for all Americans!”
The Department of Transportation position requires Senate confirmation. On Wednesday, Duffy will appear before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for his hearing.
Here’s what you know to know about the confirmation.
Trump cabinet picks: Donald Trump nominates ex-congressman Sean Duffy for DOT Secretary
Duffy’s hearing is expected to begin Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. ET.
The 53-year-old previously served as a congressman for Wisconsin’s 7th congressional district in the northwest part of the state from 2011 to 2019, overlapping with the bulk of Trump’s presidency. During his congressional tenure, Duffy was a member of the House Financial Services Committee.
Duffy left office in 2019 to care for his newborn daughter, one of nine children he shares with Fox News television host Rachel Campos-Duffy. The baby has a heart condition.
Duffy also served as district attorney in Ashland County, Wisconsin in 2002 and has a penchant for outdoor activities, including log rolling and speed climbing, which he began at a young age. Duffy holds two speed climbing titles.
Before Duffy became a politician, he was a cast member of a couple of MTV shows, including “The Real World: Boston,” “Road Rules: All Stars” and “Real World/Road Rules Challenge: Battle of the Seasons” between 1997 and 2002.
Duffy appeared on the sixth season of “The Real World: Boston” after he graduated from St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis and earned a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul.
While filming another MTV show, Duffy met his wife, who made her initial MTV appearance on “The Real World: San Francisco.” The couple married in 1998.
Duffy went on to compete in ESPN’s “Great Outdoor Games” in 2003 and later joined Fox News, first as a contributor in 2020 and then as co-host of Fox Business program in 2022.
Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY and Drake Bentley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
