US Transport Chief Defends Auto Safety Agency After Musk Criticism

US Transport Chief Defends Auto Safety Agency After Musk Criticism
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg gives a live interview to the news media outside of the White House in Washington, on Oct. 13, 2021. Leah Millis/Reuters
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WASHINGTON—U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on Wednesday that Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk should directly raise with him any issues about the hiring of a senior safety adviser who has been critical of the automaker.

“He’s welcome to call me if he’s concerned,” Buttigieg told reporters at an event on Wednesday. “We are responsible for making sure that every vehicle on the road is safe.”