economy
Trump confirms he's weighing a taxpayer takeover of Spirit Airlines "for the right price"
Updated on: April 23, 2026 / 9:26 PM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- President Trump is considering a government takeover of Spirit Airlines to save jobs and resell it for profit.
- Spirit Airlines is in advanced talks with the U.S. government for a financing deal to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
- The White House blames the Biden administration for blocking a previous JetBlue buyout of Spirit.
- Some lawmakers, including Republicans, have voiced opposition to a taxpayer-funded bailout.
- The union representing Spirit pilots strongly supports a rescue deal, citing the airline's role in affordable travel.
- Spirit Airlines has struggled with losses and filed for bankruptcy twice in recent years, with creditors doubting its viability due to rising jet fuel costs.