• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Economy Inspector general investigating Pete Buttigieg’s extensive private jet travel after Fox News Digital report
Economy

Inspector general investigating Pete Buttigieg’s extensive private jet travel after Fox News Digital report

by February 28, 2023
by February 28, 2023 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) internal watchdog is opening an audit into Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg over his extensive use of private jets, the agency confirmed to Fox News Digital on Monday.

The DOT Inspector General investigation comes roughly two months following a Fox News Digital report that showed Buttigieg, who has repeatedly argued in favor of aggressive action to combat climate change, has taken at least 18 flights using taxpayer-funded private jets since taking office in early 2021. Flight records reviewed by Fox News Digital aligned with Buttigieg’s internal calendar obtained at the time by government watchdog group Americans for Public Trust (APT).

‘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,’ APT executive director Caitlin Sutherland told Fox News Digital on Monday. 

‘Everyday Americans have faced unprecedented flight cancelations and disruptions, but Buttigieg has continued to fly private, even on a Coast Guard plane and even when commercial options were readily available.’

In one instance of his use of government-managed private jets, which are part of a small fleet managed by the Federal Aviation Administration, Buttigieg traveled roundtrip from Washington, D.C., to Las Vegas to promote public works projects in Nevada in August 2021.

In another example, Buttigieg used a private jet to fly to multiple states — most of which have largely been considered swing states in recent federal elections — in August as a part of a tour highlighting grants authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He jetted to Florida, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Ohio, Nevada and New Hampshire during the trip titled ‘Building a Better America Tour.’

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.

‘We welcome this independent audit moving forward in order to put some of the false, outlandish, and cynical claims about the Secretary’s mode of travel to rest. The fact remains that he flies commercially the vast majority of the time,’ a DOT spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

‘The exceptions have been when the Department’s career ethics officials, who have served under both Democratic and Republican administrations, determined that the use of a 9-seat FAA plane would be either more cost effective or should be approved for exceptional scheduling or security reasons,’ the spokesperson added.

Buttigieg also tweeted Monday that he was thankful for the investigation and added when he uses government-managed jets, ‘it’s usually a situation where doing so saves taxpayer money.’

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., originally requested that the DOT Inspector General open an investigation into Buttigieg on Dec. 16.

‘It is unclear why Secretary Buttigieg would require such costly travel in these instances when more economical options were reportedly available,’ the Republican lawmaker wrote at the time.

Government officials have access to the General Services Administration’s City Pair Program which enables them to fly on a variety of airlines at below-market flat fares. The program is designed to ensure low prices for official federal government travel.

Buttigieg’s predecessor Elaine Chao, who led the DOT throughout the Trump administration, was criticized after it was revealed she used government-managed planes on seven occasions in 2017, costing taxpayers about $94,000. 

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price was forced to resign after it was reported he had cost taxpayers more than $1 million using government jets.

Thomas Catenacci is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
You Might Also Like
  • Herzog signals Israel ready for another cease-fire in Gaza to free remaining hostages
  • Canadian lawmakers laugh after Biden accidentally applauds China: ‘You can tell what I’m thinking’
  • A third of the Senate calls on UN ambassador to designate Hamas a terror group after Oct. 7 attacks
  • Fetterman discharged from hospital after tests rule out stroke, seizures
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
DP Trading Room: Not Too Late for Natural Gas
next post
Biden admin has reached no consensus on how COVID-19 started, National Security Council’s John Kirby says

You may also like

JD Vance brings a wealth of experience from Silicon Valley...

July 16, 2024

Canadian lawmakers laugh after Biden accidentally applauds China: ‘You can...

March 25, 2023

House GOP campaign arm slams Democrats in new AI-generated ad...

December 5, 2023

Tim Scott fires back after Milwaukee mayor says he doesn’t...

July 17, 2024

US troops in Iraq targeted by drones, marking 25th attack...

October 31, 2023

Michelle Obama tells DNC her parents were ‘suspicious’ of the...

August 21, 2024

Inside Donald Trump and Speaker Johnson’s mutually beneficial relationship

May 17, 2024

Defiant Hunter Biden says Republican ‘motherf—ers’ are ‘trying to kill...

December 9, 2023

Rep. John James slams DeSantis over Florida curriculum: ‘You’ve gone...

July 30, 2023

Sen Thune challenges Biden admin’s Pentagon abortion policy, demands protection...

January 31, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Tesla agrees to first deal to build China’s largest grid-scale battery power plant

      June 21, 2025
    • Oil prices rise more than 1% as Israel vows to intensify attacks on Iran

      June 20, 2025
    • RRG Alert Tech Vaults to ‘Leading’—Is XLK Signaling a New Rally?

      June 20, 2025
    • Apple looking to make ‘premium’-priced folding iPhones starting next year, analyst says

      June 20, 2025
    • Nike pushes back Skims launch with Kim Kardashian due to production delays

      June 19, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 3,599 views
    • 2

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,875 views
    • 3

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,578 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,541 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,417 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,143)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,621)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 2

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 3

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Tesla agrees to first deal to build China’s largest grid-scale...

      June 21, 2025
    • Oil prices rise more than 1% as Israel vows to...

      June 20, 2025
    • RRG Alert Tech Vaults to ‘Leading’—Is XLK Signaling a New...

      June 20, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,143)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,621)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Supreme Court to hear arguments in...

    April 25, 2024

    Biden administration pushing to make AI...

    July 3, 2023

    John Kerry applauds fellow Davos attendees...

    January 17, 2023
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here