Duffy and Bessent Say Spirit Airlines Didn't Fall of a Cliff — It Was Pushed by the Usual Suspects
Spirit Airlines has ceased operations, leading to widespread flight cancellations and job losses, after a failed merger with JetBlue that was blocked in 2024. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent blame the Biden administration and Senator Elizabeth Warren for opposing the merger, which they argue could have saved the airline. The Department of Transportation and other airlines are now working to assist stranded passengers and stabilize the market.
- ▪Spirit Airlines ceased operations in May 2026, leaving 17,000 employees jobless and disrupting travel nationwide.
- ▪A proposed 2024 merger between Spirit Airlines and JetBlue was blocked by a federal judge at the urging of the Biden administration.
- ▪Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly blamed President Joe Biden, Pete Buttigieg, and Senator Elizabeth Warren for the airline's collapse.
- ▪Multiple airlines, including United, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest, are capping ticket prices to help displaced Spirit passengers.
- ▪The Department of Transportation coordinated with major carriers to mitigate disruptions following Spirit's sudden shutdown.
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Duffy and Bessent Say Spirit Airlines Didn't Fall of a Cliff — It Was Pushed by the Usual Suspects By Bob Hoge | 8:53 PM on May 03, 2026 The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of RedState.com. AP Photo/John Bazemore Low-budget passenger carrier Spirit Airlines was known for being a no-frills affair that charged excessive fees for virtually everything, and was thus the butt of countless jokes. Here are a few if you need a good Sunday laugh: Advertisement googletag.cmd.push(function () { googletag.display("div-gpt-300x250_2"); //googletag.pubads().refresh([gptAdSlot["div-gpt-300x250_2"]]) }); “Spirit charges a fee for carry‑ons, checked bags, and hope.”“On Spirit, breathing is free — exhaling is $19.99.” “Their loyalty program should…
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