Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg's tenure at the Department of Transportation (DOT) is under scrutiny following reports alleging the agency allocated over $80 billion to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The claim, highlighted by a tweet from "The Rabbit Hole" stating, "> $80 billion on DEI is insane," has drawn attention to the department's spending priorities between 2021 and 2024. These reports, primarily from the New York Post and other outlets, suggest this substantial sum was directed towards DEI grants.
The reported $80 billion figure is not representative of the broader global DEI market, which analysts estimate to be significantly smaller, projected to reach around $15.4 billion by 2026 or $24.4 billion by 2030. Instead, the sum attributed to the DOT primarily relates to hundreds of DEI-related grants awarded during Buttigieg's leadership. A key component mentioned is the "Justice40" initiative, which aimed to direct 40 percent of certain federal investments, including infrastructure funding, to disadvantaged communities.
Critics allege that this extensive focus on DEI spending occurred while critical air traffic control (ATC) system upgrades were neglected. Industry insiders, according to the New York Post, claimed Buttigieg showed "little to no interest" in modernizing ATC, with some sources even suggesting he questioned the benefit of upgrades if they led to more flights. This alleged prioritization has fueled concerns about the state of the nation's aviation infrastructure and persistent staffing shortages at ATC centers.
However, Buttigieg's spokesperson, Chris Meagher, has countered these accusations, asserting that the former Secretary's focus was consistently on safety across all transportation sectors. Meagher stated that "Suggesting that Secretary Buttigieg chose not to pursue air traffic control modernization is absurd," and pointed to increased air traffic controller hiring and efficiency improvements under his leadership. He also noted that President Biden's budget request for fiscal year 2025 included $8 billion for ATC, which faced opposition from congressional Republicans.
The controversy surrounding the DOT's alleged DEI spending reflects a broader national debate on the effectiveness and allocation of resources for diversity initiatives. While proponents argue DEI programs foster innovation and improve business outcomes, critics often question their tangible impact and financial return on investment. This specific case highlights the tension between social policy objectives and perceived infrastructure needs within government spending.