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U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is facing scrutiny after admitting he rerouted his wife’s flight to avoid Newark Liberty International Airport. This revelation comes amidst Duffy’s public assurances of the airport’s safety, despite recent operational challenges.
During a SiriusXM interview with conservative radio host David Webb, Duffy disclosed, “My wife was flying out of Newark tomorrow. I switched her flight to LaGuardia.” This statement has fueled concerns regarding the Secretary’s confidence in Newark Airport’s current state.
Recent Troubles at Newark Airport
Newark Airport has experienced multiple significant technology outages in recent weeks, including:
- April 28: A 30-second radar and radio blackout.
- May 9: A 90-second recurrence of the same issue.
- May 11: A 45-minute equipment outage halting flights.
The New York Times also reported severe staffing shortages at the airport’s air traffic control, raising further safety questions.
Duffy’s Response and Contradictions
Despite these incidents, Duffy has maintained a stance of safety. He told CNBC, “It’s safe and that’s because we have numerous redundancies in place at the FAA.” He attributed slowdowns to these redundancies and claimed that backup procedures are in place.
Duffy has deflected blame towards President Biden’s administration and dismissed concerns regarding staff cuts by Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) at the FAA. He asserts that newly hired air traffic controllers have compensated for any losses, a claim that remains unverified.
DNC’s Response
Abhi Rahman, Deputy Communications Director for the DNC, criticized Duffy’s actions, stating, “Trump’s transportation secretary won’t let his wife take a flight out of Newark because he knows it’s unsafe, but he thinks it’s okay for you and your family.”
Gizmodo reached out to the FAA for comment, who directed inquiries to the Department of Transportation. As of now, DOT has not responded.
Safety Concerns and Public Trust
Secretary Duffy’s actions have raised questions about his actual confidence in Newark Airport’s safety protocols. The public awaits further clarification from the Department of Transportation.