Travelers faced significant delays at New York's JFK Airport on Monday, June 26, 2023, due to severe weather, resulting in over 1,500 cancellations and delays by Wednesday morning. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's leadership.
Buttigieg's tenure has been marked by controversies, starting with his two-month paternity leave in 2021, which drew criticism for coinciding with travel disruptions. His response to a potential rail strike in 2022 involved a trip to Portugal, and his handling of the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment in February 2023 was met with further criticism, particularly his delayed visit to the site and choice of attire.
His perceived lack of effectiveness led to his exclusion from West Coast dockworker labor negotiations. More recently, he attributed the widespread flight delays and cancellations in late June primarily to bad weather, overlooking the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) staffing shortages, a matter directly under his responsibility. A report from the Transportation Department's Office of Inspector General highlighted these staffing issues and their potential risks, which have now materialized.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby criticized the FAA's handling of the situation, citing reduced arrival and departure rates at Newark airport due to likely understaffing. Ironically, Kirby himself faced backlash for taking a private jet while his customers were stranded, highlighting a perceived disconnect between airline executives and the traveling public.
Adding to the scrutiny, Buttigieg is currently under investigation for his frequent use of private jets at taxpayer expense. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) has introduced a bill to restrict Buttigieg's use of private planes, urging him to fly commercially.
These ongoing issues raise questions about Buttigieg's suitability for the role and the Biden administration's appointment practices, emphasizing the importance of selecting officials based on qualifications and experience.
