Tue Apr 29 11:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Trump Cabinet Official Defends Layoffs Amidst Shipyard Visit, Tariff Debate

**Philadelphia, PA** – Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy defended the Trump administration’s federal layoffs during a Monday visit to the Hanwha Philly Shipyard, arguing that the funds saved will be redirected to infrastructure projects. His comments came during a joint appearance with Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), where they also addressed the impact of tariffs and the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk.

Duffy countered criticism of the layoffs, stating that focusing on job losses misses the bigger picture. He insisted the money saved would be reinvested in roads, bridges, and rail projects. While acknowledging that 788 probationary Department of Transportation employees (1.4% of the workforce) have been dismissed, Duffy characterized the reallocation of funds as a necessary step towards larger-scale infrastructure improvements.

Senator McCormick, while acknowledging the disruptive nature of DOGE’s rapid implementation, defended its necessity. He cited instances where quick action led to mistakes, such as the initial layoff of bird flu experts at the Department of Agriculture, but noted that corrections were swiftly made after discussions with Elon Musk.

The pair also addressed the contentious issue of President Trump’s tariffs. Duffy described them as a necessary “rebalancing” of unfair trade practices, arguing that the short-term economic disruption will be outweighed by long-term benefits such as increased domestic manufacturing and job creation. He cited the 145% tariff on Chinese goods and tariffs imposed on Mexico and Canada as examples of this strategy.

However, the impact of these tariffs is already being felt. While McCormick hasn’t yet contacted officials at Mack Trucks, who announced layoffs due to the tariffs, he expressed awareness of the uncertainty they are creating and stated he has spoken with President Trump about negotiating better trade deals. McCormick emphasized the US’s strong economic position in these negotiations. The senators’ visit to the Hanwha shipyard, which is facing its own challenges with space and staffing, further highlighted the complex economic landscape the administration is navigating.

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