REUTERS/Marco Bello
In a heated Truth Social post on Thursday, President Donald Trump lashed out at President Joe Biden’s administration, blaming it for the ongoing air traffic controller crisis that has impacted travel across the nation—especially at Newark Airport in New Jersey. But many aren’t buying his version of events.
Despite growing concerns over air traffic delays and a strained workforce, Trump’s effort to shift blame drew swift pushback, particularly given the history of decisions made during his own time in office. On social media, the phrase “Where Is Secretary Duffy?” began trending, referring to Trump’s Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, as critics pointed to mounting issues that began under the Trump administration.
The shortage of air traffic controllers in the U.S. has long been a concern, driven by the stressful nature of the job and a mandatory retirement age of 56. In recent years, the Department of Transportation has offered financial incentives to keep experienced controllers on the job. However, according to a Washington Post report published Thursday, staffing has taken a hit in part due to Trump-era budget cuts and resignations within the FAA’s leadership.
Trump’s attempt to lay the blame at Biden’s feet didn’t go unanswered. Satirical Christian commentator Mrs. Betty Bowers mocked the claim on Bluesky: “Donald ‘No Responsibility’ Trump is trying to blame Biden and Pete Buttigieg for current air traffic control problems. Meanwhile, back in the real world . . . Republicans in Congress REFUSED Buttigieg’s call for funding more air traffic controllers. And Trump/DOGE then stepped in and fired many.”
Radio host Matt McNeil added, “Trump PROUDLY fired most of the air traffic controllers. It was one of the first things he did in office. IMMEDIATELY, airline safety and logistics plummeted. Trump did this. But Trump now knows most of his followers will now scream about Biden.”
Indeed, back in February 2025, PBS reported that Trump’s administration had begun dismissing hundreds of FAA employees just weeks after a fatal mid-air collision, deepening concerns about aviation safety.
In contrast, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Biden have taken steps to reverse the damage. Senior editor James F. Love IV noted, “Pete Buttigieg, as Secretary of Transportation, sounded the alarm on the shortage of Air Traffic Control Towers nationwide. He ordered the hiring of 3,000 new Air Traffic Controllers,” referencing a 2023 CNN report.
Love also cited the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated $25 billion over five years for airport and ATC upgrades funding that was halted by Trump’s executive orders during his term.
As the crisis continues, Trump’s comments have reignited debates about accountability, funding, and the future of America’s air travel system.
