Who Will Be Trump’s Secretary of Transportation? Former Uber Executive Among Choices

By the staff at Ice Network.

The Trump transition team is evaluating several candidates to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), with sources indicating that a former Uber executive and multiple Republican congressmen are in contention.

Among the top candidates is Emil Michael, a technology entrepreneur and former Uber executive, known for his connections in Silicon Valley and his support for Trump’s campaign. Michael’s potential appointment reflects the administration’s interest in tapping into the tech sector’s expertise, particularly given his ties to high-profile figures like Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, with whom he has reportedly socialized and collaborated on ventures.

Representative Sam Graves of Missouri, who chairs the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, is among the names floated, with Graves expressing openness to the position and emphasizing his experience in transportation policy. Graves is noted for his advocacy on rural infrastructure needs and would bring extensive legislative background to the position.

Another prosect is outgoing Representative Garret Graves from Louisiana, who has been involved in advising Trump’s campaign on transportation matters, particularly on rebuilding infrastructure and enhancing disaster resilience. Garret Graves, who chairs the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, has built a reputation for bipartisanship, particularly on issues related to coastal restoration and climate-resilient infrastructure, which could align with the administration’s evolving infrastructure strategy .

Rounding out the candidates is Sean Duffy, a former Wisconsin representative and current Fox News host, known for his support of Trump and a populist stance on many issues. Duffy, who served on financial services committees during his time in Congress, could bring media and public relations expertise to the role, though his background in transportation policy is comparatively limited .

The Trump administration’s stance on infrastructure is expected to influence the choice of DOT Secretary, as the President has signaled his intent to overhaul US transportation systems, with a particular focus on public-private partnerships and investment in emerging technologies like electric vehicles - largely due to Elon Musk’s high involvement in the building of the administration - and high-speed rail. The final choice will likely hinge on the candidate’s alignment with these priorities and ability to work with both the tech sector and Congress to secure funding and enact policy changes .