Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, a former reality television personality, has voiced concerns that his 18-year-old daughter, Paloma, could have her mind "corrupted" if she attends Harvard University. Duffy's remarks were made in an episode of his new reality series, "The Great American Road Trip," which follows his family's travels across the United States.
In the episode, titled “College Dreams and a Homecoming,” Duffy urges Paloma to reconsider Harvard if accepted, stating that the university is likely to expose her to views contrary to those on which she was raised. He explained that institutions like Harvard have "professionalized figuring out how they can take good young girls like you and, I think, corrupt their minds." Duffy further warned that attending such a "liberal" institution could leave her "perverted and contorted."
Paloma suggested that a liberal institution might offer a less "one-sided" education compared to a conservative school, but her father maintained his stance.
Isolated clips of Duffy's comments began circulating online, drawing sharp criticism. Critics argued that denying a child the opportunity to attend Harvard if accepted was detrimental and that Duffy's words implied his daughter lacked independent thought and were crushing her aspirations. This reaction follows earlier criticism of the reality series' trailer, which some found out of touch given contemporary issues like rising gas prices and aviation incidents. At the time, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg called the series "brutally out of touch."
Duffy responded to his critics, whom he labeled the "radical, miserable left," by asserting that his show was "too wholesome" and "too patriotic" for their liking and that they opposed celebrating America or teaching children about civics and patriotism.