Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently opened up about his clash with Elon Musk on the New York Post’s ‘Pod Force One’ podcast, discussing their disagreement over Musk’s proposal to fire air traffic controllers. Duffy explained that the conversation, which took place before the tragic DCA plane crash, revolved around the potential removal of safety-critical positions such as air traffic controllers.
During the interview, Duffy stated that while he maintains a respectful relationship with Musk, the decision to fire air traffic controllers should be made by the Transportation Department. He emphasized the critical role these controllers play in maintaining air safety, noting that such positions are not up for termination. ‘We are not going to fire air traffic controllers,’ Duffy insisted, highlighting the importance of maintaining a secure and reliable air traffic control system.
The DCA plane crash in January served as a stark reminder of the significance of these roles. With 67 lives lost in the collision between a military helicopter and a regional jet, the incident brought intense scrutiny to the state of air traffic control. In response, the Department of Transportation has been exploring the use of artificial intelligence to identify potential hazards and improve safety measures.
Duffy also addressed ongoing discussions with Democrats regarding funding cuts for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, denying any accusations of letting air traffic controllers go. He expressed a desire to learn from Musk’s innovative approaches but underscored the importance of having the right leadership in place to make critical policy decisions. ‘Elon is an amazing innovator, but I run this department,’ he explained, highlighting the need for strong leadership in government to ensure that decisions are made responsibly and in the best interest of public safety.