Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg addressed the nation’s ongoing supply chain problems on CNN’s "State of the Union" Sunday, telling host Jake Tapper that disruptions could continue into next year.
"Well, certainly, a lot of the challenges that we have been experiencing this year will continue into next year," Buttigieg said. "But there are both short-term and long-term steps that we can take to do something about it. Look, part of what's happening isn't just the supply side. It's the demand side. Demand is off the charts. Retail sales are through the roof."
"Our role is to be an honest broker, bring together all of the different players there, secure commitments and get solutions that are going to make it easier," he added.
Tapper then confronted Buttigieg for taking paternity leave during the crisis.
“Why didn’t you or the Department of Transportation make an official announcement when you went on parental leave? Why did you not appoint an acting secretary while you were away?” pressed the CNN host.
Buttigieg responded by praising the Deputy Secretary of Transportation Polly Trottenberg.
