Trump Playfully Corrects Duffy on Buttigieg Pronunciation at Briefing
During a White House press conference on March 13, 2024, President Donald Trump lightheartedly corrected Sean Duffy for mispronouncing the name of Pete Buttigieg, the former Secretary of Transportation. The incident occurred as Duffy, now serving as the Secretary of Transportation and acting administrator for NASA, discussed the Trump administration’s recent decision to roll back fuel economy standards established by the previous administration under President Joe Biden.
Duffy was addressing the announcement that aims to ease regulations on automakers, allowing for greater sales of gasoline-powered vehicles. He noted, “Congress set a rule that says you have to look at combustion engines. Biden and Buttigieg actually did an analysis…” Before he could finish, Trump interrupted, playfully correcting Duffy’s pronunciation of Buttigieg, exclaiming “Boot edge edge!” This remark elicited laughter from lawmakers and press members present at the briefing.
Duffy, acknowledging the correction, responded with a smile, “Edge. Edge. I’m sorry.” The exchange highlights the often informal atmosphere that can permeate White House press events, even when discussing serious policy changes.
The rollback of fuel economy standards is a significant policy shift, reversing regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving fuel efficiency in vehicles. Under the Biden administration, these standards were designed to combat climate change and promote the use of electric and hybrid vehicles. Critics of the current administration’s decision argue that it undermines efforts to address environmental issues.
As discussions around climate policy continue to evolve, this playful moment between Trump and Duffy serves as a reminder of the human elements present in political discourse, despite the gravity of the issues being addressed. The incident has sparked conversations among observers about the impact of such policies on the automotive industry and the environment.
The event encapsulates not only the dynamics of the current administration but also reflects broader tensions regarding environmental regulations and their implementation.
