During his tenure as the Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg has faced criticism for allegedly neglecting the modernization of America's air traffic control systems—a vital component for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the nation's aviation infrastructure. Recent reports suggest that, instead, an overwhelming focus was placed on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, diverting significant funding away from technological upgrades.
Federal spending records and airline industry insiders paint a picture of a department more concerned with social initiatives than the pressing need to overhaul systems that have seen little change since the Carter administration. According to these sources, Buttigieg's Department of Transportation (DOT) allocated over $80 billion to DEI grants across four years, accounting for at least half of the DOT's typical annual budget.
This pivot in priority reportedly came amidst America's aviation infrastructure remaining dangerously outdated. Industry executives noted that Buttigieg questioned the value of upgrading the air traffic control systems during departmental meetings, expressing his view that improved systems would merely enable more flights without clear benefit to his interests.
The airline industry has been struggling with operational challenges, including chronic staffing shortages and outdated infrastructure, which have been primary causes of widespread delays and cancellations affecting millions of passengers. Despite these issues, Buttigieg consistently placed the blame on airlines for flight disruptions, defending his department's policies and overlooking the role of the National Aviation System, which contributed to just 10.6 percent of cancellations during his term.
Chris Meagher, Buttigieg's spokesman, has disputed the negative characterizations of the former secretary's tenure. He emphasized increased air traffic controller hiring and various technological improvements, such as software enhancements for runway efficiency, new flight routes, and communications technology upgrades. Meagher also pointed out that Biden's infrastructure legislation provided $5 billion specifically for air traffic facilities, towers, and power systems, and noted that Buttigieg maintained a safety focus across all transportation modes.
Despite these defenses, industry sources characterize Buttigieg's approach as agenda-driven, with "little to no interest" in air traffic control modernization and "definitely zero action" towards upgrading antiquated systems. They further allege that Buttigieg was more preoccupied with television appearances than addressing fundamental infrastructure problems.
A major system failure in January 2023 highlighted the infrastructure vulnerabilities when an FAA computer outage led to the first nationwide flight grounding since September 11, 2001. This incident stranded thousands of passengers and underscored the critical need for system modernization.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been operating with staffing levels at approximately 80 percent of the target since at least 2017. Although hiring has improved, the industry continues to face high dropout rates and surging retirements among experienced air traffic controllers.
The Biden administration's "Justice40" program, which directed a substantial portion of infrastructure investments toward "disadvantaged communities," and the DOT's focus on DEI grants have sparked debate on budget allocation efficiency. For instance, a $5 billion electric vehicle charging station initiative resulted in only seven completed stations by June 2024, raising questions about spending efficacy.
In conclusion, Buttigieg's tenure as Transportation Secretary has been marked by a contentious shift in departmental priorities. While DEI initiatives have undoubtedly received a significant boost in funding, the aviation industry insiders and federal records suggest that this was at the expense of critical air traffic control system upgrades that are essential for the safety and smooth operation of America's aviation sector.
