Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Saturday, May 9, hit back at critics who slammed a new family road trip series featuring him, his wife Rachel Campos-Duffy, and their children.
The trailer for “The Great American Road Trip,” released this week, shows the large family visiting national landmarks and encourages Americans to explore the country ahead of its 250th anniversary.
Some on the left called it out of touch, especially with complaints about gas prices. Others accused Duffy of neglecting his duties as transportation secretary.
Duffy fired back on X, calling the reaction typical of what he described as a “radical, miserable left” that “hates” anything patriotic or joyful.
Secretary Sean Duffy’s Five Points
He then went further, laying out five clear facts to set the record straight.
First, he noted that the production was paid for by Great American Road Trip Inc., a private group. Duffy said zero taxpayer dollars went toward his family.
Secondly, Duffy revealed that neither he nor his family received any salary or royalties from the project, adding that the five-part series will be available for free on YouTube.
Third, he noted that filming occurred in short bursts, usually just one or two days at a time, on weekends or during the kids’ spring break. It was not a seven-month continuous vacation, as some reports suggested.
Fourth, he said, career ethics and budget officials at the Department of Transportation reviewed and signed off on his participation and travel in accordance with federal rules.
Fifth, Duffy pointed to his department’s record under his watch. He highlighted modernizing air traffic control, hiring more controllers, expediting grant approvals, and removing unsafe truck drivers from the roads.
The project is meant to ignite patriotism and civics education, said former Wisconsin congressman and reality TV alum. “To love America is to see America,” he wrote, urging families to visit national parks and monuments.
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The backlash began quickly after the trailer dropped a few days ago, with most Americans taking issue with claims that he went on a months-long road trip.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized the timing, saying that regular families are struggling with high gas prices due to the current conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which has blocked tankers from sailing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Other online voices called it a distraction from transportation issues like airport delays and road conditions.
Duffy’s defenders called the complaints petty. They noted that past Democratic officials faced little heat for family-related projects or time off.
Many supporters praised the series as a refreshing break from negative news and a positive way to celebrate the country.
The series comes as the U.S. prepares for major 250th anniversary events in July. Organizers hope it will encourage more Americans to travel domestically and learn about historic sites.
Duffy has nine children with Rachel Campos-Duffy, a Fox News host. The couple has long spoken about family values and faith.
In the trailer, they appear at scenic spots, talking with their kids about history and what makes the country special.
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Duffy dismissed those who said the project was a waste of public resources by pointing to the private funding and ethics clearance.
He said the left simply doesn’t want Americans teaching their kids to love the country.
Duffy wants Americans to watch the series, get off the couch, hit the road, and rediscover what unites Americans.
Meanwhile, the full series is expected to be released on YouTube soon. Early reactions suggest many families plan to watch it together and maybe plan their own trips this summer.
