Pete Buttigieg, the Secretary of Transportation, has ignited a social media firestorm after posting a video comparing the Biden administration’s achievements to the Hoover Dam. Titled “The Big Deal,” the video depicts Buttigieg earnestly narrating the administration’s supposed triumphs over crises like the pandemic, inflation, and supply chain issues. If the reaction online is any indication, the public isn’t buying it.
Buttigieg, seated at his desk in what many interpreted as a not-so-subtle audition for a 2028 presidential run, waxed poetic about Biden’s accomplishments. “I’m confident that a century from now, future Americans will look back on the work we’ve done—much as we look at the Hoover Dam—and see how the Biden-Harris Administration’s ‘Big Deal’ for infrastructure made big things possible,” he stated.
I’m confident that a century from now, future Americans will look back on the work we’ve done—much as we look at the Hoover Dam—and see how the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Big Deal” for infrastructure made big things possible. pic.twitter.com/SQEjzm8Mi6
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) December 31, 2024
The backlash was swift and merciless.
“Did Pete just compare Biden’s presidency to the Hoover Dam? This man has no shame,” one X user quipped. Another commenter summed it up: “We’ve gone from the Hoover Dam to pothole Pete and runaway inflation. What an ‘accomplishment.’” The video, which Buttigieg himself narrated, highlighted his role in “correcting” the nation’s supply chain issues as pandemic restrictions eased.
sir, are you high
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) January 1, 2025
Billions spent on hooking homes up to the internet, zero homes hooked up.
Great work, Pete.
— Law of Self Defense (@LawSelfDefense) December 31, 2024
You literally have nothing.
No EV chargers
No Broadband
No bridge replacement
No WNC help
No E. Palestine helpYou’ve built nothing, created nothing, restored nothing
All you’ve done is grift, gaslight, and give away the future of Americans to Ukraine, Iran, etc.
— Justa Guy (@GuyJusta48211) December 31, 2024
You will be best known for the train wreck
(That you ignored while on FMLA) pic.twitter.com/GB8bkJIRgU
— Marc Escens (@Marc_Escens) January 1, 2025
Critics were quick to counter that narrative, pointing out the transportation disasters that occurred under his watch. From widespread flight cancellations to train derailments, including the disastrous East Palestine chemical spill, many wondered how Buttigieg could frame himself as a steady hand in the face of logistical crises.
The timing of the video raises questions about Buttigieg’s intentions. The carefully staged presentation, complete with its historical comparisons and statesmanlike tone, has been interpreted by many as a soft launch for his political ambitions. Buttigieg, who ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020, appears to be positioning himself for a future bid, though his tenure as transportation secretary has been fraught with criticism.
While Buttigieg’s supporters argue he is forward-thinking and optimistic, even some Democrats have privately expressed concerns over his readiness for higher office. His handling of past crises has left him vulnerable to attacks not only from Republicans but also from those within his own party.
Comparing the Biden administration to the Hoover Dam—an enduring symbol of American ingenuity and ambition—is a bold move. Unfortunately for Buttigieg, it seems to have only reinforced public skepticism about the administration’s accomplishments and his own leadership credentials.
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