ID 3418136 © Iofoto | Dreamstime.com
DOT logo on highway

Trump administration names top DOT leadership

March 17, 2025
The Trump administration has nominated a new leader for FHWA and an autonomous vehicle enthusiast to serve as DOT assistant. Meanwhile, the Senate confirmed the new deputy secretary of transportation.

Leadership under Donald Trump’s new Department of Transportation is taking shape.

Following Adrienne Camire’s appointment to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Trump administration announced additional major personnel developments. The administration nominated FHWA’s next leader and an autonomous vehicle expert to serve as a DOT assistant, while the Senate confirmed the new deputy secretary of transportation.

See also: EPA aims to roll back emissions regulations

FHWA administrator nominated

Last week, Trump nominated Sean McMaster to be administrator of the Federal Highway Administration.

McMaster held various Republican staff positions in Arizona and Washington, D.C. He worked in multiple DOT support roles during Trump’s first term.

If confirmed by the Senate, McMaster will lead FHWA in managing the National Highway System.

Deputy secretary of transportation confirmed

The Senate also confirmed Steven Bradbury as the next deputy secretary of transportation last week.

Bradbury is a longtime legal expert. He provided legal counsel and assistance under George Bush’s administration and Trump’s first administration. Bradbury temporarily served as the acting secretary of transportation for the last week of Trump’s first term.

In his confirmed role, Bradbury will help lead DOT as the top adviser and assistant to Duffy.

The American Trucking Associations commended Bradbury’s confirmation.

“Steven Bradbury’s previous experience at DOT during President Trump's first term in office makes him uniquely qualified for this important role,” Chris Spear, ATA’s president and CEO, said.

Autonomous vehicle pro nominated for DOT assistant

Trump also nominated Seval Oz, an AV business leader since 2011, to serve as an assistant secretary of transportation.

Oz previously led several major groups in AV business development: She has worked for Google’s Self Driving Cars Program, led Continental AG’s intelligent transportation division, launched an AV AI startup, and served on the board of directors for AV tech company MicroVision.

The nomination is another autonomous vehicle enthusiast to join the ranks of the Trump administration. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expressed clear interest in embracing AV regulations and announced that AV legal expert Peter Simshauser would serve as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's chief legal counsel.

About the Author

Jeremy Wolfe | Editor

Editor Jeremy Wolfe joined the FleetOwner team in February 2024. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with majors in English and Philosophy. He previously served as Editor for Endeavor Business Media's Water Group publications.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Report: The 2024-2025 State Of Heavy-Duty Repair

Fullbay's fifth annual State of Heavy-Duty Repair compiles insights from almost 1,000 experts and over 3,500 shops. If you aren't leveraging these proven data points, your competition...

Guide For Managing Maintenance

The Guide for Managing Maintenance is a comprehensive resource designed to help fleet managers improve their maintenance operations, reduce downtime, and lower overall fleet costs...

The Road Ahead: 2025 Trucking and Fleet Insights

Discover how fleet operators are impacted by challenges like driver onboarding delays and complex compliance, and the critical need for technology to boost efficiency and cut ...

Driving Growth: How to Manage More Freight

Ready to grow your trucking business? Whether you have 25 or 200 trucks, this guide offers practical tips and success stories to help you expand with confidence. Discover how ...