The Blame Game: Trump Takes Aim at Biden and Buttigieg for Air Traffic Issues
In a stunning display of deniability, former President Donald Trump has shifted the blame for air traffic issues on his watch to none other than President Joe Biden and former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. Despite having control of all three branches of government since January 2025, Trump has seen fit to point fingers at those he perceives as responsible for the woes of the aviation industry.
According to NBC News, Trump has spoken about Biden, his family, or his administration an astonishing 580 times since his inauguration. It's a staggering number that speaks to the depth of his fixation with taking down his predecessor. And what better way to do so than by blaming him for air traffic issues?
The Truth Behind the Chaos
Despite Trump's claims, the reality is far more complicated. A telecommunications and radar failure at Newark Liberty International Airport last week resulted in controllers losing communications with airplanes for at least 30 seconds. The airport has been experiencing delays and congestion due to a shortage of air traffic controllers.
In February, nearly 400 workers were fired by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), leaving the industry scrambling to find replacements. This shortage has led to increased stress on existing controllers, contributing to the recent spate of delays and cancellations.
A Pattern of Denial
Trump's response to this crisis is telling. Instead of taking responsibility for his administration's failures, he chose to blame Biden and Buttigieg. In a tweet, Trump called Buttigieg a "total novice and political hack" for the days of halted traffic at several airports.
"Air Traffic problems caused by the incompetent Biden Administration, as headed by, in this case, a total novice and political hack, Pete B," Trump wrote. "I WILL FIX IT!!!"
A Distraction from Reality
Buttigieg's departure from the Department of Transportation was indeed a significant change for the agency. However, it's not as if he was the sole cause of the problem.
In reality, air traffic issues are complex and multifaceted. They require a concerted effort from multiple stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and airport administrators.
The Consequences of Trump's Blame Game
Trump's willingness to blame Biden and Buttigieg for his administration's failures is a worrying trend. It suggests that he is more interested in scoring political points than taking responsibility for his actions.
This kind of behavior has serious consequences, not just for the individuals being blamed but also for the credibility of the administration as a whole. When Trump continues to gaslight his supporters and peddle false narratives, it erodes trust in institutions and undermines the very fabric of democracy.
A Recipe for Disaster
The recent air traffic issues are just one symptom of a broader crisis facing the United States. The country is facing predictions of an impending recession, and the economy is showing signs of strain.
Trump's claims about the economy being "the best it's ever been" ring hollow when confronted with the reality on the ground. Grocery prices have increased, gas is not $1.98 per gallon as he claimed, and tariff deals are lacking.
A Warning Sign
The air traffic issues under Trump's watch serve as a warning sign for what could be in store if he continues down this path. His fixation on blaming others rather than taking responsibility will only lead to more problems down the line.