Trump Admin Warns Airspace Closures Likely if Shutdown Continues, Blames Democrats for Impasse

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a stark warning Tuesday, telling reporters that if congressional Democrats don’t act soon to end the ongoing government shutdown, the administration may be forced to shut down portions of U.S. airspace.

“If you bring us to a week from today, Democrats, you will see mass chaos, you will see mass flight delays,” Duffy said. “You’ll see mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace because we just cannot manage it.”

The warning comes as the shutdown drags into its second month, with no agreement in sight. Senate Democrats have now voted down a temporary stopgap funding bill 13 times, refusing to approve any measure that doesn’t include the extension of Obamacare-era health care subsidies and tax credits set to expire at year’s end.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have both publicly urged moderate Democrats to break ranks with their party and help reopen the government.

The White House maintains that the shutdown — and the looming transportation crisis — is entirely avoidable, but only if Democrats drop their demands for expanded entitlements and support current government funding levels through November 21.

With pressure mounting and air traffic on the line, Duffy’s comments make clear that the Trump administration is prepared to take drastic action if Democrats continue to hold the process hostage.