WASHINGTON — Amid the chaos of a prolonged government shutdown that's crippling air travel across the United States, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is facing sharp criticism from within Republican circles for planning to fly to a campaign event supporting his son-in-law's congressional bid in Wisconsin.
The controversy centers on Duffy's scheduled appearance at a meet-and-greet fundraiser on November 11 for Michael Alfonso, a 25-year-old Republican candidate vying for a congressional seat in Wisconsin. Alfonso is married to Duffy's daughter, and Duffy himself previously held the same seat before joining the Trump administration. According to a report by NOTUS, reprinted on Yahoo News, Duffy did not seek or receive approval from President Donald Trump for the appearance, even as Trump has not yet endorsed any candidate in the race.
An unnamed source with knowledge of the matter described Duffy's decision as a “world-class stupid decision,” highlighting tensions within the administration and among Trump's allies. The source, who has ties to the White House, suggested that Duffy's move could undermine Trump's role as the ultimate kingmaker in GOP politics.
Duffy, however, has dismissed the backlash. A spokesperson for the Department of Transportation told NOTUS, “Leave it to D.C. gossip to find a father supporting his son-in-law breaking news. The secretary would be attending his son-in-law’s meet and greet in his personal capacity. His presence does not reflect any official administration position or endorsement.”
The timing of Duffy's trip adds another layer of scrutiny, as it coincides with widespread disruptions in the nation's air travel system due to the ongoing government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history. On November 4, Duffy himself warned of impending turmoil, stating on Fox News, “You will see mass chaos. You'll see mass cancelations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace, because we just cannot manage it because we don't have the air traffic controllers.” He attributed the potential fallout to Democrats' refusal to fund border wall construction, a key demand from President Trump.
As the shutdown dragged on, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented significant cuts, reducing flights at 40 of the country's busiest airports. The measures took effect on November 7, leading to more than 1,000 flight cancellations nationwide that day alone, according to aviation tracking data. Airports from New York to Atlanta reported delays and ground stops, with air traffic controllers working without pay and some calling in sick in higher numbers, exacerbating the staffing shortages.
Travelers and industry experts have voiced frustration over the disruptions. At LaGuardia Airport in New York, for instance, officials temporarily halted incoming flights due to controller shortages, stranding thousands. The Air Line Pilots Association, representing pilots, issued a statement urging an end to the shutdown, noting that safety could be compromised if the situation persists.
This isn't the first time Duffy has drawn ire for dipping into Republican primaries ahead of Trump's involvement. In May, Duffy was slated to headline a fundraiser for Congressman Bill Huizenga of Michigan, who was considering a run for a Senate seat. At the time, Trump was gearing up to endorse former Rep. Mike Rogers for the same position. Sources told Politico that administration officials were caught off guard when Duffy's name appeared on the fundraising invitation, leaving Trump's allies “fuming.” There were even discussions about prohibiting cabinet secretaries from engaging in GOP primaries to avoid similar conflicts.
More recently, Duffy has clashed with White House officials over his push to bring NASA under the Department of Transportation's umbrella, a move aimed at consolidating control over space-related initiatives. According to a Daily Mail report last month, White House Chief of Staff reportedly told Duffy to “knock it off.” This episode reportedly fueled growing frustration within the administration.
Despite these tensions, the White House has publicly defended Duffy. In a statement to NOTUS, officials described him as a “trusted, valued and loyal” member of the cabinet, pushing back against characterizations of internal discord.
Duffy's background adds context to his current role and the scrutiny he faces. A former congressman from Wisconsin, Duffy served in the House from 2011 to 2019, representing the state's 7th District—the same seat Alfonso is now seeking. Duffy resigned his congressional post to join Trump's cabinet as Transportation Secretary, where he has overseen major infrastructure initiatives, including efforts to modernize airports and highways under the administration's infrastructure plan.
Alfonso, Duffy's son-in-law, is a political newcomer at 25, running on a platform emphasizing conservative values, border security, and economic growth in Wisconsin. The November 11 event in the Badger State is billed as a casual meet-and-greet, but Duffy's high-profile attendance could boost Alfonso's visibility in a crowded primary field. Trump, who carried Wisconsin in 2016 but lost it in 2020, has yet to weigh in on the race, leaving room for speculation about potential endorsements.
The broader implications of Duffy's actions touch on the delicate balance of family ties, political loyalty, and official duties in the Trump era. Critics within MAGA circles argue that cabinet members should defer to the president on endorsements to maintain party unity, especially in battleground states like Wisconsin. Supporters, however, see Duffy's involvement as a personal matter, unrelated to his official responsibilities.
As the shutdown continues, with no immediate resolution in sight, air travel woes are expected to worsen. Duffy's department has already signaled potential further restrictions, including airspace closures if controller shortages persist. Industry analysts predict that prolonged disruptions could cost airlines billions and affect holiday travel plans for millions of Americans.
Looking ahead, Duffy's trip and the surrounding controversy may test his standing within the administration. With midterm elections approaching and Trump eyeing a potential 2024 run, such internal rifts could influence GOP strategy. The Independent has reached out to the White House, Duffy's office, and Alfonso's campaign for further comment, but responses were not immediately available. As developments unfold, the intersection of personal ambition and political protocol remains a focal point in Washington's ongoing drama.