Elaine Chao Confirmed as US Secretary of Transportation
Elaine Chao takes charge of the US Department of Transportation after a decisive Senate vote, positioning her to oversee infrastructure, safety and autonomous vehicle policy.
Elaine Chao has been confirmed as the United States Secretary of Transportation following a 93–6 Senate vote, placing her in charge of federal transport policy under President Donald Trump. Chao succeeds Anthony Foxx, who led the Department of Transportation (DoT) from 2013 to 2017.
Chao arrives with prior experience in the department, having served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation under President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1991. She later held the post of Secretary of Labor throughout George W. Bush’s administration. Her confirmation was never in doubt, with broad bipartisan support and only six senators opposed. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, her husband, voted "present" rather than for or against.
Oversight of infrastructure and vehicle safety
Chao takes responsibility for the DoT at a time when the Trump administration has signalled a major focus on infrastructure renewal. The White House has floated a $1 trillion plan aimed at improving roads, bridges and other transport systems. Chao is expected to play a central role in shaping and delivering this programme, working with Congress and state authorities to allocate funding and set priorities.
The DoT also houses the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which manages vehicle recalls and safety investigations. Chao’s remit will include responding to safety defects, overseeing recall processes and ensuring compliance from manufacturers. Her leadership will be tested as the industry faces ongoing scrutiny over recall management and regulatory enforcement.
Autonomous vehicles and regulatory direction
Chao is expected to shape US policy on autonomous vehicles, an area where federal guidance remains in development. The department’s approach will affect how manufacturers, technology firms and suppliers develop and deploy self-driving systems. The industry will be watching for signals on regulatory flexibility, safety standards and federal–state coordination.
Her appointment comes as the DoT faces pressure to adapt to rapid changes in automotive technology and mobility services. Chao’s previous government experience and bipartisan support suggest a steady hand as the department navigates these challenges.
