The president also complimented Sean Duffy, Buttigieg’s successor as transportation secretary, by boasting about his ability to climb trees.

“Sean Duffy was the world champion for five years, climbing trees and down — up and down — world champion. So that’s what you call a serious lumberjack. And he’s doing a fantastic job, too, a really respected guy,” Trump said in Qatar.

Pete Buttigieg returned to Iowa this week for his first public political event since stepping down as transportation secretary, and his message was pointed. In front of more than 1,000 attendees, the former mayor of South Bend offered a sharp critique of Donald Trump's leadership,