What We Voted For: Sean Duffy Takes on 'Woke' Roadways in Timely Reminder to Governors, State DOTs

I have to admit that I have been seriously impressed with Sean Duffy in his role as Transportation Secretary.

Since being confirmed, he has tackled issues like DEI in the transportation industry, the past failures of the DOT under the disastrous "leadership" of Pete Buttigieg, and has implemented "record time fixes" on certain issues at airports like Newark Liberty International while making it clear that hiring more safety personnel and qualified air traffic controllers was a top priority.

Duffy has also persistently debunked false, media-driven narratives about infrastructure issues, noting that the myriad issues he's had to deal with since January, like the devastation in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, did not begin on his watch, but that he was committed to fixing the problems left over from the previous administration.

As he's gone about righting wrongs and making America's roads great again, Duffy has faced his fair share of predictable media hit pieces. But he hasn't let them distract him, sharing this week a letter he sent to DC and Puerto Rico leaders, and governors in all 50 states ahead of the Independence Day holiday, reminding them that distraction-free driving was important, and to prioritize safety on American roadways with taxpayer dollars, not wokeness:

In a letter to every governor, Secretary Duffy asked that their states participate in the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies—SAFE ROADS—initiative. The program targets non-freeway arterial roads where more than half of U.S. roadway deaths occur.
[...]
"Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork. Today I am calling on governors in every state to ensure that roadways, intersections, and crosswalks are kept free of distractions,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Far too many Americans die each year to traffic fatalities to take our eye off the ball. USDOT stands ready to help communities across the country make their roads safer and easier to navigate."

In the letter, Duffy observed that the areas of focus "are where more than half of roadway fatalities in America occur and deserve enhanced attention":

DOT has strong partnerships with your State department of transportation (State DOT) to implement projects and achieve important national priorities, most notably safe mobility. The SAFE ROADS national initiative will focus on the non-freeway arterials within your State, including safety and operation at intersections and along segments, consistent and recognizable traffic control devices including crosswalk and intersection markings, and orderly use of the right‑of‑way that is kept free from distractions. These routes are where more than half of roadway fatalities in America occur and deserve enhanced attention.

He's requested that state DOTs submit all relevant information and data regarding intersections of concern within 60 days for review.

🚨EXCLUSIVE

Transportation @SecDuffy sends a letter to all 50 states (plus DC & Puerto Rico) urging them to prioritize safety over political statements.

LGBTQ crosswalks must go, the letter says.

Yes, there are dozens of rainbow crosswalks😲https://t.co/eNFomdm1In pic.twitter.com/WMyKPt7hk6
— Tyler O'Neil (@Tyler2ONeil) July 1, 2025

In a statement made on X, Duffy stated that "Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks."

He went on to write that "Political banners have no place on public roads. I’m reminding recipients of @USDOT roadway funding that it’s limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. It’s that simple."

Music to my ears. This is what I voted for.

Editor's Note: President Trump is leading America into the "Golden Age" as Democrats try desperately to stop it.

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