President-elect Donald Trump has announced Sean Duffy, a former congressman from Wisconsin, as his choice for transportation secretary.

In a statement shared on his Truth Social platform, Mr Trump praised Mr Duffy as a “tremendous and well-liked public servant” with a proven track record in legislative accomplishments and advocacy for rural communities.

“Sean will prioritise excellence, competence, competitiveness, and beauty when rebuilding America’s highways, tunnels, bridges, and airports,” Mr Trump said. 

Mr Trump also underscored Mr Duffy’s focus on ensuring national security at ports and dams while enhancing safety in U.S. air travel.

Mr Duffy, 52, represented Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. 

A member of the House Financial Services Committee, he gained recognition for his work on fiscal policy and government transparency. 

He also collaborated across party lines to support rural infrastructure projects, including a landmark road and bridge initiative in neighbouring Minnesota.

Before entering politics, Mr Duffy served as district attorney for Ashland County, Wisconsin. 

However, many may first remember him as a 
reality television star. 

Mr Duffy rose to national attention in the mid-1990s as a cast member on MTV’s “The Real World: Boston and its subsequent spin-offs,” which documented young adults navigating personal and professional challenges.

In his statement, Mr Trump highlighted Mr Duffy’s family-oriented perspective as an asset, emphasising his commitment to improving the safety and efficiency of America’s travel systems. 

“Sean knows how important it is for families to be able to travel safely and with peace of mind,” Mr Trump said.