Trump Picks Elaine Chao as Transportation Secretary

Chao served as secretary of labor under President George W. Bush from 2001 through 2009 -- the longest tenure in the position since World War II -- and has been married to McConnell since 1993. She was the first Asian-American woman to serve in a Cabinet position.

 

Chao also served as the deputy secretary of transportation under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1991. Following her time in government, Chao has held a position as a distinguished fellow at the Heritage Foundation in addition to conducting media appearances.

 

At the Transportation Department, Chao would have a key role in helping Trump get an infrastructure spending bill passed through Congress and start government-backed works projects -- a role likely to be complicated by her relationship with McConnell, who will also be a critical player in any infrastructure bill negotiations.

 

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) looks forward to working with Transportation Secretary Nominee Elaine Chao and the administration of President-elect Donald Trump to fully fund the nation's critical transportation needs and ensure a healthy and robust national transportation system.

 

"Former Labor Secretary Chao is a respected leader who, based on her previous service at the U.S. Department of Transportation and in other roles, has a strong understanding of the transportation challenges facing the nation," says Bud Wright, AASHTO executive director. "We look forward to working closely with the U.S. DOT to improve safety and mobility of the American people."

 

American Road & Transportation Builders Association President & CEO Pete Ruane says Trump's pick of experienced leader is a good one.

 

"President-elect Trump has made a very good choice in selecting an experienced and proven leader to serve in this key cabinet post," he says. "As a former deputy secretary of transportation and secretary of labor in the respective Bush Administrations, there will be little learning curve for Elaine Chao. She is already well-versed on federal transportation policy, regulatory and safety matters."

 

He adds, "We look forward to her playing a critical leadership role in fulfilling President-elect Trump’s campaign pledge to make major new strategic investments in America’s transportation infrastructure network."