Context:

During a visit to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Pete Buttigieg addressed speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run, stating that he is not currently running for any office. Buttigieg, who previously served as the transportation secretary under President Biden, faced criticism from Donald Trump and Sean Duffy over issues related to air traffic control during his tenure. Despite these criticisms, Buttigieg emphasized the importance of campaigning for values and ideas rather than specific electoral campaigns. He declined to comment on Biden's cognitive decline but mentioned he consistently received the support he needed from the West Wing. Buttigieg's trip coincided with the release of a book detailing Biden's health during his presidency, and he reflected on the speculation about whether the Democratic Party might have benefited from Biden not seeking re-election in 2024.

Dive Deeper:

• Pete Buttigieg, while speaking in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, stated he is not running for any office at the moment but continues to focus on promoting values and ideas. His statement came amid speculation about a possible 2028 presidential campaign.

• Buttigieg addressed criticisms from Donald Trump and current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who blamed him for air traffic issues at Newark Liberty International Airport, asserting that such attacks are unproductive and that his focus was on solving tough problems.

• During his tenure as transportation secretary, Buttigieg claims to have transformed a shrinking air traffic control workforce into a growing one, advising his successor to continue this trend and implement necessary technological updates.

• While declining to comment on President Biden's cognitive decline, Buttigieg acknowledged that he consistently received the needed support from Biden's White House, and he left open the possibility that the Democratic Party might have been better off if Biden had not run for re-election in 2024.

• Buttigieg's visit to Iowa, along with his decision not to run for a Senate seat in Michigan, has fueled speculation about his long-term political ambitions, though he maintains he is not currently pursuing any electoral office.