Democrat Pete Buttigieg criticizes Trump's rollback of fuel-economy standards

Sep 29, 2026 · Leila Fadel

Originally published by NPR News Read the original

Democrat Pete Buttigieg criticizes Trump's rollback of fuel-economy standards

Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg attends an NAACP fundraiser at Edisto Fork United Methodist Church on Aug. 22 in Orangeburg, S.C.

The former transportation secretary says weaker fuel-economy standards could raise long-term costs for drivers and leave U.S. automakers further behind China.

(Image credit: Sean Rayford)