DOT Secretary Duffy blames Biden admin, Pete Buttigieg for Spirit Airlines’ failure
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Blames Biden Administration for Spirit Airlines’ Collapse
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized his predecessor for the downfall of Spirit Airlines following the rejection of a $3.8 billion merger deal with JetBlue by the Biden administration.
In an interview with ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, Duffy stated, “Spirit tried to merge with JetBlue. The Joe Biden-Pete Buttigieg administration and DOJ tanked that deal, and immediately after that, they filed for bankruptcy.”
Despite efforts by American airlines to assist Spirit’s passengers, the ultra-low-cost airline ceased operations on Saturday, resulting in the loss of around 17,000 jobs. President Trump’s proposed $500 million bailout for Spirit Airlines did not materialize.
The Biden administration’s Justice Department opposed the merger deal between Spirit Airlines and JetBlue in 2024, leading to Spirit’s eventual bankruptcy that same year.
Former Trump administration officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, also blamed the Biden administration for the collapse of Spirit Airlines.
Neera Tanden, a former adviser to President Biden, raised concerns about the decision to block the merger in light of the airline’s closure and job losses.
Sean Duffy has been critical of Pete Buttigieg’s performance as Transportation chief and has dismissed claims that surging oil prices from the war in Iran were solely responsible for Spirit Airlines’ demise.
A spokesperson for Pete Buttigieg refuted Duffy’s claims, attributing Spirit Airlines’ closure to the impact of rising fuel prices from Trump’s policies.
Duffy has consistently criticized Buttigieg and highlighted government spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion grants during Buttigieg’s tenure as Transportation Secretary.
