Pete Buttigieg addresses 2028 speculation during Iowa visit

Pete Buttigieg faced criticism from President Donald Trump regarding his performance as transportation secretary in former President Biden’s administration during a recent visit to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Buttigieg, who declined to confirm if Biden experienced cognitive decline during his final years in the White House, spoke with reporters after headlining a town hall with veterans in the city.

Despite speculation that Buttigieg may be considering another presidential run in 2028, he stated that he is not currently running for any office. His visit to Iowa, where he won the 2020 caucuses, and his decision to pass on a Senate run in Michigan are seen as signs of potential future ambitions.

During the town hall hosted by progressive group VoteVets, Buttigieg engaged with supporters who expressed interest in backing him in a future campaign. The event drew a crowd of 1,800 attendees, showcasing Buttigieg’s continued popularity among Democrats.

However, Buttigieg’s visit to Iowa also coincided with criticism from Trump and current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy over flight delays at Newark Liberty International Airport. Duffy blamed Buttigieg for a failed upgrade of the airport’s air traffic control system, while Trump questioned Buttigieg’s competence.

In response, Buttigieg defended his tenure as transportation secretary, emphasizing the need to address complex issues rather than engage in finger-pointing. He highlighted efforts to grow the air traffic control workforce and implement necessary technological changes.

Furthermore, Buttigieg addressed recent claims of Biden’s cognitive decline, stating that he always received the support he needed from the former president. When asked if the Democratic Party would have been better off if Biden had not run for re-election in 2024, Buttigieg suggested that, in hindsight, many might agree with that assessment.

As Buttigieg navigates potential future political aspirations, his visit to Iowa and interactions with voters and reporters reflect his ongoing presence in the national political landscape. Despite facing criticism and speculation, Buttigieg remains a significant figure in the Democratic Party’s future.