Trump suggests bailout or merger as Spirit Airlines faces mounting costs
FILE-A Spirit Airlines plane is parked on the tarmac as another Spirit Airlines passenger aircraft taxis after landing at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport which serves the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, metroplex area in Texas. (Photo by Robert Ale
President Donald Trump inferred that the federal government might help keep Spirit Airlines afloat, while also calling for a buyer to step in and help the airliner.
In a CNBC interview Tuesday, Trump said, "Spirit’s in trouble and I’d love somebody to buy Spirit. It’s 14,000 jobs. And maybe the federal government should help that one out."
The Associated Press reported that Trump did not offer details on what type of government assistance may be provided.
RELATED: Spirit’s bankruptcy uncertain as jet fuel prices soar
But on Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was asked about possible government relief for Spirit Airlines, and he told reporters that Trump had directed the department to review viable options, the AP noted.
"He’s directed us to take a look. I’ll have a conversation with the president later today," Duffy said, adding that he was also meeting with some of the budget carriers later Tuesday.
RELATED: Spirit Airlines slashes flights, warns of more job cuts amid second bankruptcy
Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection in August for a second time in less than a year and was planning to exit in the spring or summer after making a preliminary deal with lenders.
However, that plan hit a snag when the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran resulted in oil prices surging above $100 a barrel, with jet fuel costs doubling in some markets as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to affect global oil supplies.
Spirit Airlines struggles
Dig deeper:
Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy in August 2025 following two failed mergers in less than two years. The most recent merger attempt was with Frontier Airlines and then with JetBlue.
The airliner also filed for bankruptcy in 2024 and announced that same year it was planning to sell off multiple aircraft and lay off workers as it attempted to revive operations and raise revenue.
The backstory:
The organization started out as a long-haul trucking company in 1964 before shifting to aviation in 1983. The company offered travel packages to popular destinations under the name Charter One Airlines and rebranded to Spirit in 1992.
Spirit Airlines became popular with budget-conscious customers willing to forgo features like checked bags and seat assignments.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by The Associated Press and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.