Delta CEO Defends Airline Safety Amid FAA Cuts Debate

Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian refuted claims made by Democrats and media figures that recent FAA cuts under President Trump negatively impacted air travel safety, particularly in light of a recent plane crash in Toronto. During an interview with CBS Mornings, Bastian clarified that only 300 non-critical FAA employees were laid off and asserted that these cuts do not affect Delta's operations or safety protocols. He emphasized that air travel continues to be the safest mode of transportation, countering narratives linking Trump’s administration to aviation accidents. Despite ongoing concerns about aviation safety and a historic shortage of air traffic controllers, data shows that airplane accidents reached a record low in January 2025, contradicting the heightened fears following recent incidents. Bastian's statements came as Democratic leaders sought to hold Trump accountable for the crashes, although evidence does not support these claims. Overall, the narrative around FAA cuts and air safety appears more politically motivated than factually grounded.