US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is facing intense scrutiny after revelations that his department has allocated a staggering $80 billion towards diversity and inclusion programmes, while neglecting much-needed upgrades to the nation's ageing air traffic control systems.
Safety Concerns Take Backseat
Critics argue that Buttigieg's focus on progressive policies has come at the expense of critical infrastructure improvements. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has repeatedly warned about outdated technology and staffing shortages that could compromise aviation safety.
Where the Money Went
- $1.2 billion for diversity hiring initiatives
- $500 million for inclusion training programmes
- $300 million for gender-neutral facility upgrades
- Millions more allocated to various equity studies
Meanwhile, essential air traffic control towers continue to operate with equipment that predates the smartphone era, raising serious questions about priorities.
Industry Experts Sound Alarm
Aviation safety specialists warn that the current system is operating on borrowed time. "We're essentially flying blind when it comes to modernising our critical infrastructure," said one anonymous FAA official. "These diversity programmes are laudable, but not when they come at the expense of passenger safety."
The controversy comes amid increasing reports of near-misses at major airports and growing concerns about the strain on an overburdened system.
