The U.S. Senate confirmed Marcus J. Molinaro as the 16th Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced.

Molinaro assumes leadership of the FTA following the tenure of Acting Administrator Tariq Bokhari, who will now serve as deputy administrator.

"Marc’s leadership, experience, and commitment to Making Transit Safe Again will be a strong asset to the Department," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. "I am confident Administrator Molinaro will help usher in the golden age of transit, helping our transit partners maintain safe and clean systems that move American families forward."

In a statement, Administrator Molinaro expressed gratitude for the appointment and outlined his priorities.

"I am grateful to President Trump for placing his trust in me, and to Secretary Duffy for his confidence in my leadership," said FTA Administrator Molinaro. "I am committed to supporting our nation’s public transportation systems and ensuring a safer, more accessible, and better-connected America."

“I am grateful to President Trump for placing his trust in me, and to Secretary Duffy for his confidence in my leadership,” he said. “I am committed to supporting our nation’s public transportation systems and ensuring a safer, more accessible, and better-connected America.”

Background in Public Service

A lifelong New Yorker, Molinaro most recently served in the U.S. House of Representatives representing the state’s 19th Congressional District. 

While in Congress, he was a member of the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Small Business. His legislative focus included rural infrastructure, economic development, and transportation policy.

Molinaro began his public service career in 1994 when he was elected to the Village Board of Trustees in Tivoli, New York, at the age of 18. A year later, he became the village’s mayor, the youngest in the U.S. at the time, and served five terms. He also held roles in the Dutchess County Legislature, New York State Assembly, and served three terms as Dutchess County Executive.

As County Executive, Molinaro led initiatives to improve government efficiency and launched “ThinkDIFFERENTLY,” a campaign focused on disability inclusion that other municipalities have since adopted.

Molinaro was appointed FTA Administrator by President Donald J. Trump in 2025. His appointment brings decades of local, state, and federal experience to the role at a time when transit agencies are navigating infrastructure modernization, safety priorities, and evolving mobility needs, according to the USDOT’s press release.

APTA Weighs In

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas released the following statement on Molinaro’s appointment:

“The American Public Transportation Association congratulates former Representative Marcus Molinaro on his confirmation as Administrator of the FTA.  We look forward to working closely with him and the Administration to strengthen public transit systems nationwide, support economic growth, and improve mobility for millions of Americans.

“The FTA plays an essential role in supporting the $79 billion public transportation industry, which provides billions of trips annually, employs 430,000 people directly, and creates and sustains millions of private-sector jobs across construction, manufacturing, and supply chains — particularly through Buy America provisions that strengthen domestic production.

“Administrator Molinaro brings valuable real-world experience to the role — from his service on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to his leadership as a New York County Executive. He understands that modern, reliable public transportation is not only vital to mobility but also critical to economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.

“His nationally recognized Think DIFFERENTLY initiative — launched during his time as Dutchess County Executive —challenged local governments to reexamine how they served individuals with disabilities. As a Member of Congress, he continued this critical work. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to the role public transportation plays in providing access for millions of Americans to economic opportunities.

“APTA looks forward to collaborating with Administrator Molinaro and FTA. Together, we can advance solutions that improve public transit systems, create job opportunities, and ensure access to mobility for people across the country.”