Trump considers former Uber executive, GOP lawmaker for transportation chief

As Donald Trump finalises his cabinet picks following his 2024 election win, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) appears set to be headed by a former Uber executive or a prominent Republican lawmaker.

Sources close to Trump’s transition team have revealed that Emil Michael, former Chief Business Officer at Uber, is a leading contender for the position, along with three current or former Republican congressmen: Sam Graves, Garret Graves, and Sean Duffy.

Michael, a tech entrepreneur and Trump donor, has strong ties to influential figures in the tech world, including Elon Musk. Musk, who has backed Trump both financially and politically, is said to support Michael for the DOT role.

Michael’s past experience includes overseeing Uber's mergers, acquisitions, and fundraising strategies, and he was also involved in defense projects as a White House Fellow under the Obama administration.

In addition to Michael, the Trump team is reportedly considering Sam Graves, a US House Representative from Missouri and chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Graves expressed willingness to serve as DOT chief, stating he would be "honored" to be considered for the role. Another potential candidate is Garret Graves, a Louisiana Republican, who has advised Trump’s campaign on transportation matters.

Former Representative Sean Duffy of Wisconsin, now a Fox News host, is also in the running, though he has not publicly commented on the position.

Elon Musk’s influence is expected to play a significant role in shaping the final decision.

Musk’s contributions to Trump’s campaign and his personal connections to Michael suggest that the tech mogul’s preferences could heavily influence the selection.

Michael is also an investor in Musk’s SpaceX and has supported various technology ventures since leaving Uber in 2017, following a scandal involving Uber’s workplace culture.

The US Department of Transportation, with an annual budget of around $110 billion, oversees a broad range of sectors including aviation, highways, pipelines, and automotive regulations.

It also plays a critical role in setting standards for fuel economy, air traffic control, and transportation infrastructure funding.

If Michael is appointed, his experience in the tech sector could lead to a shift in how the DOT handles emerging technologies, particularly autonomous vehicles, an area where Musk has been vocal about the need for regulatory reform to benefit Tesla.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the DOT, is currently investigating Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software after several fatal crashes.

Although Michael declined to comment on his potential nomination, Trump’s spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that the final decision would be announced once it is made.

The transition team is also reportedly considering other candidates for key positions, signaling that additional changes could be forthcoming as Trump begins to assemble his new administration.

In addition to Michael, Trump’s transition team is considering several Republican lawmakers. Sam Graves, a U.S. Representative from Missouri and chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, has indicated that he would consider the role if asked.

Garret Graves, a Republican from Louisiana, has advised Trump’s campaign on transportation matters but has not publicly commented on his candidacy.

Sean Duffy, a former congressman from Wisconsin and current Fox News host, is also on the list of potential nominees.

In previous years, Trump filled key positions with high-profile individuals, many from outside traditional government circles, signaling his desire to shake up Washington.

In 2017, Trump nominated Elaine Chao as Secretary of Transportation, a position she held throughout his first term.

Chao, a former US Labor Secretary and wife of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, played a crucial role in advancing infrastructure initiatives but did not spearhead a major overhaul of the DOT.