Pete Buttigieg’s Office Issues Response After Internal Watchdog Announces Audit of His Jet Use

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s use of jets for official trips will be audited, but his office does not appear too concerned.

On Monday, The Washington Post reported that Buttigieg’s office issued a statement saying an internal watchdog will audit his use of Federal Aviation Administration jets for official trips.

The Post noted the Transportation Department said Buttigieg used FAA planes for a total of 18 flights over the course of seven trips.

Buttigieg’s office explained, in all but one trip, it was cheaper to fly using an FAA aircraft than commercially, per the Post.

However, the cost of Buttigieg and his staff’s flights totaled $41,905.20.

The audit was requested by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who pointed to a Fox News report.

Kerry Arndt, a spokeswoman for Buttigieg, said in an emailed statement to the Post the review is welcomed.

The statement said the review would be an opportunity to “put some of the false, outlandish, and cynical claims about the Secretary’s mode of travel to rest.”

Arndt said, “The fact remains that he flies commercially the vast majority of the time.”

The statement continues, “The exceptions have been when the Department’s career ethics officials, who have served under both Democratic and Republican administrations, determined that the use of a 9-seat FAA plane would be either more cost effective or should be approved for exceptional scheduling or security reasons.”

Rubio penned a letter