The Trump transition team is evaluating several candidates to become U.S. Secretary of Transportation, including former Uber exec Emil Michael and three current or former Republican lawmakers, according to eight sources familiar with this process. Michael is reportedly a leading contender backed by tech executives, including those who dug Trump. Michael is known for his ties to Elon Musk, who hired him to jumpstart his bid to integrate Tesla, though he also socially and professionally has ties to the SpaceX CEO, known for his rocket company, SpaceX, and has invested in it. But Reuters could not verify whether Musk has been pushing for Michael’s appointment. Michael declined to comment.
They include Sam Graves, U.S. representative from Missouri who chairs the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, outgoing Louisiana representative Garret Graves, who has advised Trump on transportation policy, and former Wisconsin representative Sean Duffy, now a Fox News host.
Sam Graves said he was more than happy to take on the role, which he would be ‘honoured’ to fill. A request for comment from Sean Duffy and Garret Graves was not returned.
An annual budget of around USD 110 billion, the Department of Transportation is responsible for highways, pipelines, railroads, cars, trucks and air traffic control through the Federal Aviation Administration. But it also sets fuel economy standards and manages the federal infrastructure funding.
A billionaire who has contributed USD 119 million to pro-Trump efforts — Elon Musk — is thought to have a heavy say in cabinet appointments. It could be good news for Tesla, as Musk has expressed interest in reshaping autonomous-vehicle regulations. The DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is already investigating the Las Vegas crash as well as a string of accidents related to Tesla’s “Full Self Driving” system.
Michael’s career includes a tenure at Uber, where he oversaw mergers and fundraising but left in 2017 following a workplace culture investigation. He also served as a White House Fellow during the Obama administration, working in the Department of Defense on projects in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan.
The Trump team has yet to finalise its decision, with a spokesperson indicating an announcement will come once the selection is complete.
