Additional Coverage:
- Sean Duffy slammed as he says it’s a ‘false promise’ for women to choose career over kids (irishstar.com)
Sean Duffy: Career Over Family A “False Promise” For Young Women, Says Former Congressman
Former U.S. Representative Sean Duffy, who now serves as the Transportation Secretary, recently offered some strong opinions on career versus family for young women, calling the pursuit of a career over starting a family a “false promise.” His comments, made during an appearance on “The Shawn Ryan Show,” have ignited a flurry of discussion and criticism online.
Duffy, a father of nine, emphasized that prioritizing a career might offer financial rewards and professional gratification but ultimately won’t bring true happiness or companionship in the long run. “It’ll give you money, right?
It’ll give you colleagues. It might give you personal gratification,” Duffy stated.
“But who do you have a cup of coffee with on a Saturday morning? Who do you get to watch a sunset with?”
He argued that these deep, personal moments cannot be shared with colleagues and that while a child-free life at 34 might seem appealing, it’s family that will ultimately provide lasting connection. “But in the end, those colleagues, that corporation, they’re not going to be with you in the end,” Duffy said, advocating for starting a family young.
“And I think starting young is important. Have kids and, again, it’s not easy.”
Online Backlash and Hypocrisy Accusations
A clip of the interview quickly circulated on social media, leading to significant backlash. Many users pointed out what they perceived as hypocrisy, given that Duffy’s wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy, has a prominent career as a television host on Fox & Friends.
“But HIS wife and the mother of his NINE children has a career as a television host and conservative advocate/spokesperson,” one user commented. Another echoed this sentiment, writing, “Yeah, but see career for me but not for thee.”
Beyond the perceived hypocrisy, critics also urged Duffy to focus on his official duties as Transportation Secretary, especially in light of recent nationwide airport cancellations and delays during a federal government shutdown. “[Duffy] needs to focus on his job and let women run their own lives,” one person wrote, while another added, “The Transportation Secretary giving young women unsolicited advice about their personal choices…I don’t want.”
This isn’t the first time the Duffys have sparked controversy with their family advice. In September, Rachel Campos-Duffy’s social media post at a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which encouraged people to “Fall in love, get married, have more babies than you can afford,” also drew sharp criticism for being “irresponsible.”