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Congestion toll critic Marc Molinaro in line to become Trump''s US transit chief could spell trouble for the MTA

Ex-NY Rep. Marc Molinaro Eyed as Trump's Potential Transit Chief

In a surprising twist amid President-elect Donald Trump's cabinet-building frenzy, former New York Republican Congressman Marc Molinaro has emerged as a frontrunner for the role of Secretary of Transportation. Sources close to the transition team revealed to The Post that Molinaro, who recently lost his bid for re-election in New York's 19th Congressional District, is being seriously vetted for the high-profile position overseeing the nation's vast infrastructure, highways, aviation, and public transit systems. This development comes as Trump assembles a team aimed at prioritizing American infrastructure revival, cutting red tape, and boosting economic growth through bold transportation initiatives.

Molinaro, 49, brings a unique blend of local governance experience and federal legislative know-how that could appeal to Trump's "America First" agenda. Hailing from upstate New York, Molinaro first made his mark in politics at a remarkably young age. At just 18, he was elected mayor of Tivoli, a small village in Dutchess County, making him one of the youngest mayors in U.S. history. His early tenure focused on revitalizing local infrastructure, managing budgets, and addressing community needs—skills that would later define his career. From there, he climbed the ranks, serving as a Dutchess County legislator and eventually as county executive from 2012 to 2022. During his time as county executive, Molinaro tackled pressing issues like opioid addiction, mental health services, and economic development, often emphasizing bipartisan solutions.

His entry into national politics came in 2022 when he won a special election to fill the seat vacated by Antonio Delgado, who became New York's lieutenant governor. Representing a swing district that stretches from the Hudson Valley to the Catskills and parts of the Southern Tier, Molinaro positioned himself as a moderate Republican. He advocated for rural communities, supported infrastructure investments, and worked on bills related to agriculture, veterans' affairs, and small business relief. Notably, during his brief time in Congress, Molinaro co-sponsored legislation aimed at improving rail safety and expanding broadband access in underserved areas—issues that align closely with the Department of Transportation's mandate.

However, Molinaro's congressional stint was short-lived. In the 2024 election, he faced a tough challenge from Democrat Josh Riley, a lawyer and former aide to Sen. Al Franken. The race was one of the most closely watched in the nation, with Democrats pouring resources into flipping the seat. Molinaro ultimately lost by a narrow margin, amid a broader wave of Republican gains elsewhere but struggles in suburban and moderate districts. Despite the defeat, Molinaro's reputation as a pragmatic problem-solver remained intact, which may have caught the eye of Trump's advisors.

Insiders tell The Post that Trump's team is drawn to Molinaro's hands-on experience with infrastructure projects. As county executive, he oversaw major road repairs, bridge reconstructions, and public transportation enhancements in Dutchess County, often navigating federal funding streams from the Department of Transportation (DOT). This expertise could be invaluable as Trump vows to "rebuild America's crumbling infrastructure" without the bureaucratic hurdles he criticized during the Biden administration. Trump's first term saw the passage of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, but he has since lambasted it for including too many "green" initiatives and not enough focus on traditional highways and airports. Molinaro, with his track record of fiscal conservatism, might help steer the DOT toward Trump's priorities, such as expediting permits for energy projects, enhancing supply chain logistics, and addressing urban congestion in places like New York City.

The potential nomination also carries symbolic weight for New York Republicans, who have been reeling from electoral setbacks. Molinaro is seen as a bridge-builder—literally and figuratively—having worked across the aisle on issues like mental health reform and disaster relief. In 2018, he ran for governor against Andrew Cuomo, positioning himself as an anti-corruption crusader and advocate for upstate economic revival. Although he lost that race, it elevated his profile statewide. Appointing him to a cabinet post could signal Trump's intent to reward loyalists from battleground states while addressing the Empire State's outsized influence on national transit policy. New York, home to the nation's largest public transit system in the MTA, faces chronic funding shortfalls, aging subways, and debates over congestion pricing—issues Molinaro has commented on in the past, emphasizing the need for efficient, taxpayer-friendly solutions.

Of course, Molinaro isn't the only name in the mix. Other contenders reportedly include former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, known for his infrastructure innovations like leasing the Indiana Toll Road, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, a Trump ally with a focus on deregulation. There's also speculation about Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.), the current chairman of the House Transportation Committee, who has deep knowledge of aviation and highway policy. But Molinaro's New York roots could give him an edge in dealing with East Coast-specific challenges, such as Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and port operations in New York Harbor, which are critical to national commerce.

Critics, however, question whether Molinaro's relatively limited federal experience makes him ready for such a massive department. The DOT oversees a budget of over $100 billion annually and regulates everything from airline safety to electric vehicle standards. Progressive groups have already voiced concerns that a Trump appointee might roll back environmental protections, such as emissions standards for vehicles or funding for sustainable transit. Molinaro, while not a hardline ideologue, has supported some deregulatory measures in Congress, aligning with GOP efforts to streamline project approvals under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Supporters counter that Molinaro's personal story adds a compelling narrative. He has been open about his family's struggles with dyslexia and his own experiences raising a daughter with special needs, which informed his advocacy for accessible transportation. In interviews, he has stressed the importance of inclusive infrastructure, like better public transit for disabled individuals and rural connectivity to prevent isolation. This human touch could resonate in a Trump administration often criticized for lacking empathy in policy-making.

As the vetting process unfolds, Molinaro has remained tight-lipped, declining to comment on the speculation. But sources say he's undergone initial interviews with Trump's transition team, led by figures like Howard Lutnick and Linda McMahon. If selected, his confirmation hearings in the Senate could be contentious, given the partisan divide over transportation funding. Democrats might grill him on climate change policies, while Republicans could rally around his pro-business stance.

This potential pick underscores Trump's strategy of tapping unconventional figures—much like his first-term choices of Elaine Chao and Pete Buttigieg's predecessor. Chao, who served under Trump, focused on rural broadband and drone regulations, areas where Molinaro has shown interest. Meanwhile, the Biden-era DOT under Buttigieg emphasized equity and green initiatives, which Trump has pledged to overhaul.

Broader context reveals why transportation is a linchpin in Trump's second-term agenda. With inflation concerns lingering and supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by recent global events, efficient transit is key to economic competitiveness. Trump has promised massive investments in roads, bridges, and airports, potentially through public-private partnerships that Molinaro has endorsed. In New York, where crumbling infrastructure like the Gateway Tunnel project has stalled for years, a sympathetic secretary could unlock federal dollars.

Molinaro's rise also highlights the fluid nature of post-election politics. Just months after his defeat, he's poised for a comeback on the national stage, proving that in Trump's world, loyalty and competence can trump electoral setbacks. Whether he lands the job remains to be seen, but his consideration alone signals a fresh approach to America's transit future.

If confirmed, Molinaro would face immediate challenges: modernizing the FAA amid Boeing scandals, addressing trucker shortages, and navigating the shift to autonomous vehicles. His upstate perspective might prioritize rural highways over urban rail, potentially clashing with coastal Democrats. Yet, his bipartisan credentials could help forge compromises in a divided Congress.

In the end, this story is about more than one man's potential appointment—it's a window into Trump's vision for rebuilding America, one road at a time. As the transition accelerates toward Inauguration Day, all eyes are on who will steer the nation's transportation destiny. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full New York Post Article at:
[ https://nypost.com/2025/01/28/us-news/ex-ny-rep-marc-molinaro-may-become-trumps-transit-chief/ ]