Former Boston reality TV star Sean Duffy confirmed as Trump's new transportation chief
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Sean Duffy says oldest son had to evacuate amid L.A. wildfires
Sean Duffy, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Department of Transportation secretary, introduced his family during his Senate hearing.
President Donald Trump's new Secretary of Transportation has an interesting Massachusetts connection.
Sean Duffy, who was sworn in on Wednesday as part of the 47th president's cabinet, is a former Wisconsin congressman, an ex-Fox Business television host and, surprisingly enough, a reality TV show star.
But not just any reality TV show, Duffy was a main player on the sixth season of the Real World, which was dubbed the "Real World: Boston," he can be seen in the opening of that season of the show. He was also a reality TV star on the show "Road Rules: All Stars."
Duffy briefly addressed his time on reality television during his Senate hearings, where he said that he met his wife on reality television and that she, Rachel Campos-Duffy, is the love of his life.
On Tuesday, Duffy was confirmed by a vote of 77 to 22.
In nominating Duffy to his post, Trump said the former Wisconsin Republican lawmaker would use his experience and relationships from eight years in Congress to rebuild the country's infrastructure and improve travel safety.
Sean Duffy speaks on fatal plane crash
Regarding Wednesday's fatal plane crash in the Potomac River that took the lives of 67 people, Duffy said during a press conference that it was a clear night and the helicopter and planes in the collision were in normal flying patterns.
"Safety is our expectation. Everyone who flies in American skies expects that we fly safely," Duffy said. "That when you depart an airport, you get to your destination. That did not happen last night."
Duffy then said he knows that the president, the Trump administration, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation will find answers for the families affected and for the flying public.
"You should be assured that, when you fly, you're safe," Duffy said.
Bart Jansen contributed to the reporting of this story.
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.
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