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Controversy Erupts as Transportation Secretary Duffy and Elon Musk Clash Over Air Traffic Control
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Elon Musk recently found themselves at odds during a cabinet meeting held at the White House, as reported by the New York Times. Tensions escalated when Duffy expressed frustration over the actions of Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as they allegedly sought to reduce the workforce of air traffic controllers.
The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding the Federal Aviation Administration’s equipment and the current staffing of its air traffic controllers, according to sources cited by the New York Times.
During the exchange, Duffy accused the DOGE team of attempting layoffs among air traffic controllers, voicing his concerns about the implications of such cuts, especially in light of recent aviation incidents.
In late January, a midair collision involving an American Airlines flight and a military Black Hawk helicopter resulted in the tragic loss of 67 lives near Washington, D.C. Subsequent accidents in February, including a fatal air ambulance crash in Philadelphia that killed seven, alongside a midair collision of small planes in Arizona, further underscored the urgency of the conversation around air traffic safety.
Musk dismissed Duffy’s allegations regarding layoffs as unfounded, labeling them a “lie.” In contrast, Duffy maintained his position, claiming to have received direct communication from DOGE team members about the layoffs.
Musk pressed for details regarding the names of those allegedly terminated, to which Duffy retorted that no names could be provided because he had intervened to prevent the firings.
Additionally, Duffy rejected Musk’s assertion that air traffic controllers were being recruited from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
The meeting culminated with President Donald Trump suggesting that air traffic controllers needed to be exceptionally qualified, recommending the hiring of graduates from prestigious institutions such as MIT.
Responses from the FAA, the Transportation Department, and the US DOGE Service to inquiries following the meeting were not immediately available.
In a surprising turn of events, Duffy later took to X to commend Trump and the DOGE team, asserting that the cabinet meeting had been constructive. He praised DOGE for aiding agencies in pinpointing inefficiencies and collaborating on essential upgrades for the air traffic control system.
Notably, Duffy indicated that the DEI department at the FAA was disbanded shortly after his arrival.
Musk’s methods and the initiatives of DOGE have garnered mixed reactions from various officials. During the same cabinet meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a heated discussion with Musk regarding staffing levels.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins voiced concerns during the meeting that Musk’s proposed cuts could adversely affect thousands of veterans. He cautioned against making sweeping layoffs, a sentiment echoed by President Trump, who insisted on retaining the most competent employees within the VA.
A spokesperson for the VA commented that the agency is collaborating with DOGE to enhance efficiency while maintaining a focus on productive federal employees, aligning with Trump’s vision for reform.
Ultimately, the day’s discussions appeared to moderate DOGE’s aggressive cost-cutting agenda, with Trump clarifying that the role of DOGE and Musk would be advisory, leaving final staffing decisions to individual department secretaries.
In his reflections on the meeting, Duffy emphasized the necessity for careful and coordinated reforms, endorsing the President’s measured approach to government efficiency.
This narrative is adapted from coverage originally featured on Fortune.com
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