Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his staff incurred nearly $59,000 in travel expenses for official events using government-managed executive aircraft between August 2021 and June 2023, according to an audit by the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Office of Inspector General (OIG).
The investigation revealed that Buttigieg chose government flights for eight trips and over 20 flights, citing reasons such as security, scheduling, and communications concerns, with only three trips justified by “cost effectiveness.”
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg shelled out tens of thousands in taxpayer dollars on gas-guzzling jet travel since Aug. 2021 — all while the government works toward a sprawling green energy agenda, according to an IG report Wednesday https://t.co/yhzsOg5nGU pic.twitter.com/Xq0BVa3na3
— Gabe Kaminsky (@gekaminsky) December 20, 2023
The audit found that Buttigieg’s flights cost taxpayers an estimated $58,882 during the analyzed period. The secretary utilized the executive aircraft for various events across the country, including a tour named “Building a Better America Tour” in August 2022, visiting several swing states to announce federal funding and grants for local infrastructure projects, Fox News Digital reports.
While the DOT has argued that Buttigieg’s use of government aircraft saved taxpayer money, the OIG report raised concerns about the justifications provided, emphasizing the importance of adherence to federal requirements for the proper use of public resources.
The inspector general’s investigation was initiated after a Fox News Digital report revealed Buttigieg’s frequent use of government executive jets for official travel. The audit concluded that the DOT, under both Buttigieg and his predecessor Elaine Chao, complied with federal regulations, policies, and procedures for travel on the Federal Aviation Administration’s fleet.
The report also highlighted discrepancies in cost estimates for traveling on the jets but noted that these errors did not impact cost-effectiveness negatively. Buttigieg chose commercial flights for 57 trips, constituting 82.6% of his total trips, while former Secretary Chao opted for commercial flights in 90% of her trips.
Senator Marco Rubio requested the OIG investigation following the initial report by Fox News Digital, expressing concerns about the necessity of costly government travel. The audit’s findings come amid ongoing debates about government officials’ use of resources and transparency in public spending.
The DOT spokesperson defended Buttigieg’s travel decisions, stating that the majority of times the FAA aircraft was used, it saved taxpayers money, meeting exceptional scheduling needs as determined by career ethics officials.
