Ultimate irony as shameless ex-Transportation Secretary bemoans being left stranded by flight chaos

Detailed summary

Former US Transportation Secretary Buttigieg joked about his replacement Sean Duffy's performance at a convention for Democrats in Denver.

Published: 06:14 GMT, 14 November 2026 | Updated: 06:55 GMT, 14 November 2026

Pete Buttigieg led a list of furious Democrats who demanded answers from the Trump administration after the mysterious ground stall that left thousands of flights delayed or canceled Friday.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the hours-long ground stop of all flights across the country was a 'national emergency' as he cautioned that there was 'nothing completely certain right now.'

So far, at least 8,200 flights into or out of the US were delayed on Friday, while nearly 7,500 others have been canceled, according to flight-tracking service FlightAware.

Thousands of cancelations and delays have been reported for Saturday, as well.

Former US Transportation Secretary Buttigieg joked about his replacement Sean Duffy's performance at a convention for Democrats in Denver.

'You can just write down the comic book asterisk swearing characters. I have questions,' Buttigieg told The New York Times when asked for his reaction.

The former mayor of South Bend, Indiana continued to crack jokes as the night went on.

'I will be available in the hotel bar following the conference for anybody who needs to rebook their flights or get a refund, per your rights,' Buttigieg said.

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