Sec. Duffy: ‘President Trump has ordered that I deliver a new, world-class air traffic control system’

The Verge reported that SpaceX representatives visited the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center in Virginia on Monday. They reviewed the current system and gathered input from air traffic controllers. This visit follows a midair collision over the Potomac River three weeks ago, resulting in 67 fatalities. The FAA has since faced scrutiny due to reports of dismissals of hundreds of probationary employees maintaining air traffic infrastructure.

Duffy addressed concerns regarding SpaceX’s involvement by stating that the FAA regularly provides tours of the command center to both media and private companies. He also mentioned plans to visit the FAA Academy in Oklahoma later in the week to meet with instructors and trainees and assess air traffic controller training programs.

The Trump administration is pursuing efforts to reduce the federal workforce while advancing infrastructure and technology initiatives. The Department of Transportation has described the air traffic control modernization project as a priority under its plans for national transportation improvements, according to The Verge.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's official website, Sean Duffy was appointed as U.S. Secretary of Transportation by President Donald Trump in 2025. A former congressman from Wisconsin, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019 and was a member of the House Financial Services Committee. Before his political career, Duffy worked as a prosecutor and television commentator.