Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's Department of Transportation allocated $80 billion to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives while neglecting crucial air traffic control system upgrades, according to federal records and industry sources.

According to The New York Post, industry executives revealed that Buttigieg showed little interest in modernizing air traffic control systems, stating that such upgrades would merely enable airlines to operate more flights. The Department approved approximately 400 DEI-related grants between 2021 and 2024, representing about half of the DOT's typical annual budget.

During his tenure, Buttigieg consistently deflected blame for flight delays onto airlines while avoiding discussions about his department's role in maintaining outdated safety systems that hadn't been updated since the Carter administration. Industry insiders claim this stance significantly impacted air travel efficiency and safety across the nation.

Critical Infrastructure Updates Take Back Seat

The Federal Aviation Administration has been operating with only 80% of its required certified professional controllers since 2017, creating a significant staffing shortage that directly affects flight operations and safety.

Air industry trade associations sent an urgent warning to Buttigieg's DOT in April 2024, stating that at current hiring rates, it could take up to 90 years to reach targeted staffing levels at critical New York air traffic control centers.

The department's focus on DEI initiatives resulted in programs like "Justice40," which directed 55% of infrastructure investments, approximately $150 billion, toward disadvantaged communities.

Aviation Safety Concerns Mount Amid Delays

In January 2023, the FAA ordered the first nationwide grounding of flights since September 11, 2001, due to a system outage, leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Chris Meagher, Buttigieg's spokesman, defended the department's actions, citing increased controller hiring and software improvements for airport runway efficiency. He emphasized that DEI grants operated independently from FAA operations.

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported that while 80% of flights were on time between 2021 and 2025, industry officials argued that the infrastructure law's funding primarily went to maintenance rather than modernization.

Political Ambitions and Industry Relations

Buttigieg, who is considering a 2028 presidential run, implemented a controversial rule just before the election requiring airlines to compensate passengers up to $1,000 for delays and cancellations.

Industry representatives criticized this move as a political stunt, while Buttigieg's office maintained it was necessary consumer protection. The former secretary currently leads early Democratic primary polls with 16% support.

David Grizzle, a former FAA chief counsel under Obama, noted that while it wasn't unusual for transportation secretaries to focus less on aviation, Buttigieg's term saw no remarkable achievements in this sector.

Future of Air Traffic Control Reform

The recent passage of President Trump's infrastructure bill has allocated $12.5 billion for the new Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to modernize FAA systems.

Current Transportation Secretary Duffy has been praised by industry experts for his engagement with aviation infrastructure needs, with former FAA official Grizzle predicting he will be remembered as one of the most engaged secretaries.

The contrast between Buttigieg's DEI-focused tenure and the current administration's prioritization of air traffic control modernization highlights the ongoing debate about infrastructure spending priorities in American transportation policy.