U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called on the governors of all 50 U.S. states to make sure their roads are “kept free of distractions” by removing what he described as “political messages or artwork,” referring to rainbow flag murals emblazoned on crosswalks.
For background, on July 1, 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote a letter to the governors of all 50 U.S. states, saying that within 60 days, they would need to identify any necessary safety improvements to their infrastructure to continue receiving USDOT funding.
Furthermore, in a subsequent X post, the secretary zeroed in on “political banners,” saying that they “have no place on public roads.” He added, “Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks.” He also stated, ” I’m reminding recipients of @USDOT roadway funding that it’s limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. It’s that simple.
In his letter, Secretary Duffy explained, “The SAFE ROADS national initiative will focus on the non-freeway arterials within your state, including safety and operation at intersections and along segments, consistent and recognizable traffic control devices including crosswalk and intersection markings, and orderly use of the right-of-way that is kept free from distractions.”
In addition, a Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration press release shed more light on the secretary’s roadway safety initiative, saying, “In a letter to every governor, Secretary Duffy asked that their states participate in the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Safe Arterials for Everyone through Reliable Operations and Distraction-Reducing Strategies—SAFE ROADS—initiative.”
Moreover, Secretary Duffy shared a statement in the press release, saying, “Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork.” He added, “Today I am calling on governors in every state to ensure that roadways, intersections, and crosswalks are kept free of distractions.”
The secretary went on to say that distractions on American roads cause “far too many Americans” to “die each year to traffic fatalities.” He added, “USDOT stands ready to help communities across the country make their roads safer and easier to navigate.” The press release added that the program would “empower states and local governments to simplify and improve roadway environments” and “Make roads safer and easier to navigate for pedestrians, vehicle operators, and automated vehicles alike.”
When Duffy shared his letter on X, conservatives showed their emphatic support in the comments section, with the X user Chuck Hoffmann writing, “Fantastic! Completely ridiculous that you have to do this, but fantastic nonetheless.” Another X user chimed in, “Those that violate this order should have their federal transportation dollars cut off completely.”
Featured image credit: Secretary Sean Duffy via Facebook