Former Reality Star Duffy Filming New Road Trip Series for DOT

The Transportation Secretary is returning to his TV roots with a family-focused travelogue ahead of America's 250th anniversary.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:18am

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Former reality TV star and current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is producing a new YouTube series that will follow him, his wife Rachel Campos-Duffy, and their large family as they travel across the country and visit historical landmarks. The series is being produced by the same company behind Duffy's original reality show appearance and is part of a broader Department of Transportation initiative to encourage Americans to take road trips ahead of the nation's 250th birthday celebrations.

Why it matters

Duffy's transition from reality TV star to Trump cabinet member has been controversial, and this new series represents an effort to rehabilitate his public image and promote the administration's America 250 initiative. The series also highlights the growing trend of government agencies using influencer-style content to reach the public.

The details

The five-part series, which will be hosted and paid for by the DOT's 'Great American Road Trip' initiative, will see Duffy and his family visiting 250 landmarks and historical sites across the country. Episodes will be released on YouTube in the lead-up to the America 250 celebrations in July. A DOT spokesperson said the goal is to 'encourage Americans to rediscover the country firsthand by taking their own road trips' and to 'share their adventures' in a way that inspires other families.

  • The series is being produced ahead of America's 250th anniversary in July 2026.
  • Episodes will be released on YouTube in the lead-up to the America 250 celebrations.

The players

Sean Duffy

A former reality TV star who appeared on The Real World: Boston in 1997 and is currently serving as the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under the Trump administration.

Rachel Campos-Duffy

Duffy's wife, who also appeared on The Real World: Boston and will be joining him and their family on the road trip series.

Bunim/Murray Productions

The production company behind The Real World: Boston, where Duffy first gained fame, and is now producing the new road trip series.

Great American Road Trip

A Department of Transportation initiative established ahead of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence that is hosting and paying for the new Duffy family road trip series.

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What they’re saying

“We got married, fell in love, and now have nine kids. We are the most prolific Real World couple of all time. No one beats us.”

— Sean Duffy

What’s next

The five-part series will be released on YouTube in the lead-up to the America 250 celebrations in July 2026.

The takeaway

Duffy's transition from reality TV star to Trump cabinet member has been controversial, and this new series represents an effort to rehabilitate his public image and promote the administration's America 250 initiative through influencer-style content.