economy

White House mulls using Defense Production Act in Spirit Airlines takeover

Updated on: April 24, 2026 / 6:48 PM EDT / CBS News

White House mulls using Defense Production Act in Spirit Airlines takeover

TL;DR

  • The Trump administration is considering using the Defense Production Act to help Spirit Airlines, which has faced bankruptcy twice.
  • A potential federal bailout could involve a $500 million loan to Spirit Airlines with the U.S. government becoming the senior bondholder.
  • The government might gain a 90% ownership stake in Spirit Airlines after its emergence from bankruptcy.
  • The Pentagon could utilize Spirit's excess capacity for troop and cargo transport.
  • Spirit Airlines missed an interest payment, potentially triggering a default and leading to its liquidation.
  • The airline directly employs about 7,500 people.
  • Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick advocates for the bailout, while Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy opposes it due to potential political issues.
  • Spirit Airlines owns 48 planes and leases 83, with valuable airport 'slots' that the government wishes to preserve.