Inspector General Investigating Pete Buttigieg

By Ophelia Garrett

In Brief:

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, a fierce defendant for aggressively combatting climate change, is being investigated over his use and (over)use of private air travel on the dime of the American people's pockets.

The Background: 

Pete Buttigieg has yet to have a win as Transportation Secretary. Under Buttigieg, America has experienced our worst-ever transportation and supply chain crisis, as well as his total disregard and zero support regarding the Ohio train derailment and subsequent massive toxic spill. 

Now Buttigieg is under investigation regarding his use of private jets. According to public records, Buttigieg has used taxpayer money and a private jet 18 times for travel. Buttigieg argues he only used the private jet when it was more cost-effective or for security reasons. 

However, Fox News reports the transportation secretary also took a military aircraft to attend the Fifth Invictus Games in Europe with his husband Chasten Buttigieg in April 2022. And, that same month, Buttigieg jetted off to New York City on one of the government planes for a radio interview and two brief meetings before returning hours later.

APT executive director Caitlin Sutherland said that "after Americans for Public Trust helped determine Secretary Buttigieg’s excessive use of taxpayer-funded government jets, we are pleased to see that his air travel is now under investigation." 

Notable Quotes: 

"It is unclear why Secretary Buttigieg would require such costly travel in these instances when more economical options were reportedly available." – Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL)