Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran against President Donald Trump in the 2016 election, has been a constant critic of both Trump administrations. Most recently, she took issue with Duffy’s announcement that DOGE, led by Elon Musk, would “plug in to help upgrade our aviation system.”

They have no relevant experience.

Most of them aren’t old enough to rent a car.

And you’re going to let them mess with airline safety that’s already deteriorated on your watch? pic.twitter.com/l0fFTrYMG2

— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 5, 2025

“They have no relevant experience. Most of them aren’t old enough to rent a car. And you’re going to let them mess with airline safety that’s already deteriorated on your watch?” Clinton said in a post on X, referring to the DOGE staffers who have been reported to be in their early 20s.

Duffy responded by claiming that “Washington bureaucrats” like her were the reason for the problems that the Transportation Department is facing.

“Madam Secretary, with all due respect, ‘experienced’ Washington bureaucrats are the reason our nation’s infrastructure is crumbling. You need to sit this one out,” Duffy said.

Clinton replied by noting that the midair collision in Washington, D.C., between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter last week was the first deadly commercial airline crash in the U.S. since 2009.

“US airlines had gone 16 years without fatal crashes. Then MAGA fired the FAA chief, gutted the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, and threatened air traffic controllers with layoffs. Now there have been two fatal crashes. Hope your unvetted 22-year-olds fix things fast,” Clinton said.

Before the deadly D.C. crash, the last commercial airline crash in the U.S. occurred during the Obama administration when Clinton was serving as secretary of state. Last week’s midair collision happened during Duffy’s first full day in office as transportation secretary.

Duffy issued a lengthy response to Clinton, attacking her and defending his job.

I know you’re lashing out because DOGE is uncovering your family’s obscene grifting via USAID, but I won’t let you lie and distort facts. The FAA administrator announced he resigned over a month before Trump took office, and the air traffic controllers were always exempt from… https://t.co/WOI5K4242D

— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) February 6, 2025

“I know you’re lashing out because DOGE is uncovering your family’s obscene grifting via USAID, but I won’t let you lie and distort facts. The FAA administrator announced he resigned over a month before Trump took office, and the air traffic controllers were always exempt from Trump’s civil service buyouts,” he wrote.

“The previous administration shamelessly used USDOT as a slush fund for the Green New Scam, throwing away money and resources on wasteful environmental and social justice projects rather than updating our nation’s antiquated air traffic control systems and other critical infrastructure,” Duffy said.

“I’m returning this department to its mission of safety by using innovative technology in transportation and infrastructure. Your team had its chance and failed. We’re moving on without you because the American people want us to make America’s transportation system great again. And yes, we’re bringing the 22-year-olds with us,” Duffy added.

The new transportation secretary has said that his department will work to fix the “cracks in the system” with air safety, along with upgrading systems, as he attempts to reassure citizens of the safety of air travel.