Trump’s Government Shutdown Causes Major Problems at U.S. Airports: Is It Safe to Fly?

Op-ed by TheWiseOldFart

Trump has no idea what he is doing. His decision to shut down America’s government is beginning to cause havoc across America.

This happened Sunday morning.

[The FAA issued a temporary ground stop at one of the world’s busiest airports soon after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy predicted that travelers would see more flights delayed and cancelations in the coming days as the nation’s air traffic controllers work without pay during the federal government shutdown.]

Trump is using Ronald Reagan’s tactics. He refuses to negotiate with Democrats, telling them, “it’s my way or no way.” Can you say, “malignant narcissism?”

This arrogance and moronic attitude can only result in disaster.

I was employed by an airline at LAX between 1967 and 1977. I often worked in operations. My job required close verbal contact with pilots. Everyone has some understanding of the importance of Air Traffic Controllers, but they are more critical than you might believe. Not only are they responsible for the safety of every airplane on the ground and in the air, their health is of extreme importance. They must be alert and well-rested at all times.

Trump’s moronic government shutdown is putting a major strain on these men and women. Most airports are already understaffed.

If you were to ask me if I think it’s safe to fly, I cannot give you a definitive answer. However, my choice would be to drive my car or stay home. There are more “near misses” each day than the government would like you to know. Only experienced Air Traffic Controllers can prevent disasters in our skies.

Trump and his Nazi Party are as dumb as they look. The two things all Americans are primarily concerned with today are the ridiculous shutdown, and seeing the Epstein files without censorship. We, the people, have a right to know if our illegitimate president is a pedophile.

It is clear that Trump has no plans to keep his campaign promises. Greedflation continues to grow, the invasion of Ukraine continues, and Trump’s wasteful spending is increasing the national debt.

Each deployment of the national guard costs about 10 million dollars. Trump uses AF-1 as his personal aircraft. Traveling on AF-1 to his golf courses, Mar-a-Lago, and to Scotland to open a new golf club costs taxpayers $270,000 each hour. There are many more costs involved, including care for multiple Secret Service agents.

His unnecessary and foolhardy demolition of the East Wing of the White House, and construction of a ballroom is apparently being funded by several of Trump’s Oligarchs. He told the American people it would cost about 200 million dollars. The latest estimate is near 350 million dollars.

Between 2017 and 2021, Trump’s personal spending cost taxpayers about six million dollars each month, In 2025, that number is 10 million.

While Trump’s failure to lead our nation in the fight against Covid-19 resulted in huge job losses and the closing of small businesses, Trump’s companies made a profit of about 1.7 billion dollars over four years. His wasteful spending increased the deficit by more than 8 TRILLION dollars.

Meanwhile, government employees who actually work for a living are wondering how they will pay their mortgage or rent this month.

All three branches continue to receive their pay and benefits. It didn’t seem possible, but they are doing less than before the shutdown to justify their employment.

Op-ed by James Turnage

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Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/26/air-traffic-controller-shortages-shutdown

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy7xd5ej7ko