NEW YORK (TNND) — U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is calling for a federal review of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), suggesting possible inefficiencies, waste, or fraud in its financial operations.

During a visit to New York City on Friday, Duffy proposed enlisting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to audit MTA’s spending practices.

“I know a few people in D.C. who are very successful at rooting out fraud, waste and abuse. It’s called DOGE. So I’m going to offer folks from DOGE to come down and take a look at what MTA is doing, how they’re spending their money, and can they be more efficient for the taxpayers in the state of New York,” Duffy said while standing alongside New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

Duffy noted that federal funding was provided to the state in 2024 and that billion more in funding is being requested from New York. “We gave $2 billion last year. They want another $16 billion for capital improvements. That’s a conversation I’m willing to have, but lets look at how the money is being spent,” Duffy told reporters.

Duffy appeared to express a willingness to discuss more efficient use of federal money, including faster project completion.

“I look forward to talking to governor and MTA about how we can look for points of agreement on moving dollars faster and more efficiently,” Duffy said.

Duffy’s trip to New York City included a tour of the subway system and a focus on public safety and cleanliness. “We’re not where this needs to be,” Duffy said, criticizing the current state of the subway system. Last month, he urged MTA officials to clean up subways and buses to provide a safer, more welcoming commute for riders and workers.

The city has faced a series of high-profile subway crimes. On December 31, 2024, 23-year-old Kamel Hawkins of Brooklyn was charged with attempted murder after allegedly shoving a man into an oncoming train at the 18th Street station. Just days earlier, a woman was fatally set on fire while sleeping on a train at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue station. Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, a Guatemalan migrant, was charged and has pleaded not guilty.

Duffy reportedly told reporters he had passed someone who appeared unwell during his tour, and called it “not humane” to have people with mental illness living on the subway. “I don’t know if he’s urinating himself or defecated,” Duffy said.

The Democratic New York Governor, Kathy Hochul on Friday defended the city’s safety record saying, “crime is down on subways.”

“New Yorkers deserve to hear the facts: Crime is down on our subways. But we’re never going to spike the football. Cops on every overnight train, cameras in every single car, and more — I’m doubling down to make sure everyone can feel safe on the subway,” she wrote on X.