Rubio Calls Out DOT Secretary Buttigieg for Flying Private

For years, elected officials have lectured the American people about the dangers of carbon emissions should they get out of control. People have been heavily encouraged to buy electric cars, stop eating meat, and reduce, reuse, and recycle. However, have the politicians looking to enforce this way of life living up to this standard? Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is inquiring about Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his flying habits.

Not only is Buttigieg flying on the equivalent of a private jet (in terms of emissions) with regularity, he is flying private on the taxpayer’s dime.

“Pursuant to federal travel regulations, ‘[b]ecause the taxpayers should pay no more than necessary for your transportation, generally you may travel on Government aircraft only when a Government aircraft is the most cost-effective mode of travel.’ The definition of ‘Government aircraft’ includes chartered aircraft. DOT’s own Travel Order and Manual further states that ‘DOT employees are required to exercise the same care in incurring expenses that a prudent person would exercise if traveling on personal business when making official travel arrangements, and therefore, should consider the least expensive class of travel that meets the needs of the agency’s mission,’” stated Sen. Rubio.

He went on to mention, “Given these requirements, it is unclear why Secretary Buttigieg would require such costly travel in these instances when more economical options were reportedly available.”

On Thursday night, Tucker Carlson called out Buttigieg as well for his choice of transportation.