Trump wants change fast.
A major air traffic failure at Newark Liberty International Airport has triggered a swift federal response, as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau unveil emergency reforms to restore safety and accountability to America’s skies.
Last week’s incident—where an FAA control center lost radar and radio contact for nearly 90 seconds—could have ended in tragedy. Now, under President Donald Trump’s administration, decisive action is being taken to fix years of government neglect that left our airspace vulnerable.
FAA Moves Fast to Repair Failing Systems and Increase Staffing
Immediately after the outage, the FAA slowed down traffic at Newark—one of the nation’s busiest airports—due to chronic staffing shortages and outdated technology at the Philadelphia TRACON facility, which oversees air traffic in the region. The airport is also down to a single runway due to ongoing construction, further complicating air operations.
This crisis is just the latest example of how previous administrations ignored the crumbling infrastructure of our nation’s air traffic control system. Secretary Duffy, however, has pledged to end the era of bureaucratic complacency.
The urgency follows a devastating midair collision on January 29, when American Eagle Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army helicopter, killing all 67 people aboard. The tragedy was a wake-up call for change.
Major FAA Upgrades Underway: Technology, Safety, and Staffing Improvements
To fix the problems, the FAA—under Trump’s leadership—is launching several high-impact upgrades:
✅ Three new high-speed fiberoptic connections between New York’s STARS radar system and Philadelphia TRACON to boost speed and reliability.
✅ Replacing obsolete copper wiring with modern fiber infrastructure, reducing failure risk.
✅ A new STARS radar hub at Philadelphia to provide independence from New York’s system.
✅ A backup radar system to ensure flight safety during the transition.
✅ Accelerated hiring of certified air traffic controllers, with training slots filled through July 2026.
Currently, the Newark section of Philadelphia TRACON has 22 fully certified controllers and 21 more in training. Ten are already receiving hands-on instruction and several are certified in multiple roles—proof that this administration is prioritizing results, not rhetoric.
Trump Administration Delivers Real Solutions While Others Distracted
This latest push reflects President Trump’s commitment to infrastructure modernization, public safety, and government accountability—areas sorely neglected under past leadership.
With commercial air travel surging and safety concerns mounting, this no-nonsense, results-driven response is exactly what Americans expect from an administration focused on making our skies safe again.