Elon Musk and Sean Duffy had a disagreement about dismissing air traffic controllers, with Duffy stating that the cabinet should have the final say in such matters.
In a significant disagreement, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk clashed over Musk's proposal to reduce government spending within the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by firing air traffic controllers. Duffy, who is the Senate-confirmed head of the Department of Transportation, strongly opposed these cuts, stating that air traffic controllers play a "safety-critical" role and would not be eliminated under his leadership.
The dispute arose before a tragic midair collision in January 2025 near Washington, D.C., which claimed the lives of 67 people. The incident underscored the importance of air traffic controllers in ensuring aviation safety. Duffy emphasised that, despite getting along with Musk, he had the final authority over such decisions.
Musk's proposal was part of a broader agenda to reduce bureaucracy and optimise government efficiency. However, it faced significant pushback due to safety concerns and public scrutiny intensified by the January 2025 helicopter and jet collision at Reagan National Airport. The incident increased focus on the potential dangers of understaffing critical aviation positions. Additionally, Musk's dual role as a government official and a private entrepreneur with SpaceX led to questions regarding conflicts of interest and calls for stronger oversight in aviation regulation.
Despite the initial disagreement, Duffy and Musk resolved their differences and got along well after that. Duffy even praised Musk as an "amazing innovator." In his efforts to improve aviation safety, Duffy is now deploying artificial intelligence to spot air traffic dangers. However, he clarified that his department could cut "fat," but not at the expense of air traffic controllers.
[1] New York Post, "Transportation Secretary Duffy Stands Firm Against Elon Musk's Proposed Air Traffic Controller Cuts"
[2] CNN, "Elon Musk's Proposed Air Traffic Controller Cuts Draw Criticism and Scrutiny"
[1] TheNewYorkPost reports that Transportation Secretary Duffy has refused Elon Musk's proposal to reduce government spending by firing air traffic controllers, emphasizing their "safety-critical" role and his authority over such decisions.
[2] CNN states that Elon Musk's proposal to cut air traffic controller positions at the Department of Transportation faced criticism and public scrutiny, due to safety concerns heightened by a midair collision in January 2025 and potential conflicts of interest arising from Musk's dual role as a government official and private entrepreneur.
[3] In the midst of an aviation safety focus, the general news highlights Duffy's later efforts to improve aviation safety using artificial intelligence, but he also clarified his department's commitment to cutting "fat" without compromising the number of air traffic controllers.
