FOX News host Greg Gutfeld and guests discuss the effort to slash Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s salary to $1 on ‘Gutfeld!’ Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his staff spent nearly $59,000 traveling to official events on government-managed executive aircraft between August 2021 and June 2023, according to an inspector general audit released Wednesday.
The audit, conducted by the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Inspector General (OIG), revealed that Buttigieg traveled on the government fleet across eight trips and more than 20 flights. While DOT has argued that Buttigieg’s use of the jets saved taxpayers money, the audit found that only three of the trips were justified by “cost effectiveness,” while others were justified by security, scheduling, and communications concerns.
The DOT OIG report emphasized the importance of adhering to federal requirements regarding the proper use of public resources to maintain public trust and confidence. It also commended the department for implementing internal controls and oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability for federal funds.
The investigation into Buttigieg’s travel was initiated following a report by Digital, which revealed his frequent use of government executive jets. Overall, the audit estimated that Buttigieg’s flights cost taxpayers approximately $58,882. The transportation secretary used the jets to travel across the country, attending local events where he announced federal funding and grants for infrastructure projects.
One example highlighted in the report was Buttigieg’s multi-state tour in August 2022, where he traveled to several swing states to unveil grants earmarked under President Biden’s 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The OIG found that Buttigieg’s use of the FAA aircraft for that trip cost taxpayers an estimated $14,940 and was justified by exceptional scheduling needs.
The report also mentioned Buttigieg’s use of the executive fleet for other trips, including a visit to New York City for a radio interview and two meetings, as well as a meeting in Mexico with the nation’s president. The OIG justified these trips based on exceptional scheduling, communications, or security needs.
However, the OIG noted that the agency is not required to provide documentation to support commercial flight costs or availability information used in cost comparisons, making it impossible to prove the cost savings.
A spokesperson for the DOT defended Buttigieg’s travel choices, stating that he primarily travels by commercial airline and that exceptions are made based on cost-effectiveness or exceptional scheduling or security needs, as determined by career ethics officials.
The audit also compared Buttigieg’s travel habits to those of his predecessor, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who opted for commercial flights on 90% of her trips. However, the audit did reveal that one of Chao’s trips, a visit to France in 2017, cost taxpayers nearly $70,000.
While the DOT OIG found that the agency complied with federal regulations, policies, and procedures for travel on the FAA fleet under both Buttigieg and Chao, it did highlight the use of incorrect cost estimates. Conservative-leaning watchdog group Americans for Public Trust criticized the Biden administration for using incorrect flight cost estimates and called for transparency regarding Buttigieg’s travel expenses.
The OIG audit, which began in February 2023, was prompted by the initial Digital report and a request from Senator Marco Rubio. Rubio questioned the necessity of Buttigieg’s costly travel when more economical options were reportedly available.
As the investigation concludes, concerns about the cost efficiency of Buttigieg’s use of government aircraft have been raised. The audit highlights the need for continued oversight and accountability to ensure the responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
