Buttigieg finds himself in the spotlight for better or worse

WASHINGTON — The nation’s transportation secretary usually holds one of the most public-facing roles in any presidential administration. He called it “another challenging day for U.S. aviation” and said his department was “now pivoting to understanding the cause of the issue.” “We’re gonna own it,” Buttigieg later told reporters. “The FAA’s inability to keep an important safety system up and running is completely unacceptable and just the latest example of dysfunction within the Department of Transportation,” said Cruz, one of 13 senators who voted against confirming Buttigieg. “The Biden Administration seems to think this lack of qualified leadership can go on indefinitely.” LaHood, a Republican who served in a Democratic administration, said he met with Buttigieg again after last year’s midterm elections when it became clear Republicans would control the House. He said he was “fully focused” on his Cabinet post and was “not seeking any other job.” The trials and tribulations of his current assignment have reached the point where White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had to address questions on Wednesday about Biden’s confidence in Buttigieg’s performance.