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The Trump administration has dismissed hundreds of employees from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over the weekend, raising concerns about further understaffing at the agency. The decision comes just weeks after a tragic crash in Washington, D.C., that highlighted existing staffing shortages in aviation safety.
The union representing the affected employees has criticized the move, calling it a “hastily made decision” that will burden an already overwhelmed workforce. The statement from the union referenced not just the D.C. crash but also two other recent aviation accidents as evidence that this is a critical time for maintaining, not reducing, personnel.
Union Raises Alarm Over Public Safety Risks
“This decision did not consider the staffing needs of the FAA, which is already challenged by understaffing,” said David Spero, national president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO. “Staffing decisions should be based on an individual agency’s mission-critical needs. To do otherwise is dangerous when it comes to public safety. And it is especially unconscionable in the aftermath of three deadly aircraft accidents in the past month.”
A spokesperson for the union stated that nearly 300 employees had received termination notices over the weekend. The affected workers held various crucial roles, including maintenance mechanics, aeronautical information specialists, environmental protection specialists, aviation safety assistants, and management and program assistants.
Elon Musk Appointed to Government Efficiency Panel
The firings coincide with President Donald Trump’s appointment of Elon Musk to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency. This advisory commission is tasked with overseeing large-scale layoffs across U.S. government agencies.
Notably, the FAA—which now faces mass terminations—also regulates Musk’s company, SpaceX. The agency has had ongoing conflicts with SpaceX over safety concerns. Last year, the FAA proposed civil penalties against SpaceX for alleged violations, prompting Musk to threaten legal action against the agency. The FAA’s oversight of Musk’s company remains significant, particularly in light of a mid-January SpaceX rocket explosion that disrupted multiple flights, caused detours, and scattered debris into the Caribbean. Following the incident, the FAA mandated a formal “mishap investigation.”
FAA Has Faced Ongoing Staffing Challenges
For years, FAA officials have warned of persistent understaffing and increasing strain on the agency’s workforce. The recent layoffs have intensified concerns about aviation safety.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still investigating the cause of a deadly collision near Washington, D.C., on January 29. The crash involved an American Airlines commercial flight and an Army helicopter, killing all 67 people aboard. It was the deadliest air accident in the U.S. in nearly 25 years.
Call for Transparency on Layoffs
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg voiced concerns over the decision and called for greater transparency.
“The flying public needs answers. How many FAA personnel were just fired? What positions? And why?” Buttigieg posted on social media on Monday.
As of now, the Department of Transportation has not provided an official response to NBC News’ request for comment. The layoffs, along with ongoing safety concerns, have sparked renewed debate over the future of aviation oversight and regulation in the United States.
