Staff Reports
Amid the chaos of a recent Delta jet incident in Toronto, mainstream media outlets are quick to place blame where it most suits their narrative: on former President Donald Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency, affectionately dubbed DOGE by those who would rather not acknowledge its actual purpose. The crash, which saw a Delta flight land awkwardly in poor weather, has spurred fumbled accusations from Democrats eager to draw connections that simply aren’t there.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has notably taken to Twitter, launching questionable claims about FAA staffing cuts being a direct cause of the incident. He insists that because the flight originated in Minneapolis, the FAA’s oversight played a crucial role in its outcome, implying that Trump’s actions somehow compromised safety. The suggestion that the safety of air travel lies squarely on the shoulders of Trump’s administration is not only indefensible but indicative of the lengths to which some will go to shift responsibility.
CBS's Gayle King tries to blame Trump for the plane crashes, is debunked by Delta's CEO pic.twitter.com/P9m5SxYKOQ
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 19, 2025
In a refreshing display of clarity amid the noise, Delta CEO Ed Bastian set the record straight during an interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings. King, seemingly eager to weave Trump into the discussion, posed leading questions about FAA cuts. Bastian firmly dismissed notions that staffing changes had any bearing on Delta operations. He explained that while the FAA indeed employs tens of thousands, the cuts allegedly made were limited to a mere 300 positions—none of which were involved in critical safety roles.
Bastian reinforced that the Trump administration has been proactive in investing in air traffic control technologies and in plans to bolster staffing rather than hinder it. It appears that, in the face of manufactured outrage, he chose truth over sensationalism, reminding viewers that the safety of air travel remains robust, irrespective of the wheeled-out Democratic talking points. Such reassuring declarations in the wake of media frenzy serve as a reminder of what real leadership looks like.
Despite the attempts to tarnish Trump’s record and that of his administration, Bastian’s calm and factual rebuttal reflects the reality that the airline industry is not only functioning but thriving under policies that prioritize safety and innovation. Still, the narrative is likely to persist among Democrats and their allied media outlets. They cling to tired accusations and unfounded correlations, while responsible figures in the industry like Bastian continue to set the record straight with professionalism and facts.
In an era where accountability seems to be a rare commodity among some politicians, the contrast is stark. Delta’s CEO has proven that a grounded, factual response can often carry more weight than sensational spins. While Democrats insist on pointing fingers, the aviation industry marches forward, bolstered by investments in safety and technology. And in the end, one has to wonder who’s truly out of touch—those bearing false witness or those providing solid ground in turbulent times.
