Sean Duffy Blames Chuck Schumer Amid Newark Airport Meltdown; Army Suspends Pentagon Flights as DOT and DoD Collaborate

In May 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy faced criticism over air traffic control issues, including a meltdown at Newark airport and concerns about helicopter flights above Washington National Airport (DCA). Duffy attributed some of the problems to the Pentagon and blamed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for air traffic control disruptions in Newark. He also expressed frustration that the Pentagon was not responding to his inquiries regarding helicopter operations near DCA.

Meanwhile, Senator Ted Cruz praised Duffy's leadership after the Army suspended flights into the Pentagon area as a safety measure. Duffy and Fox News host Martha MacCallum jointly criticized the Biden administration for the ongoing air traffic control challenges. Despite initial public criticism, Duffy later issued a statement acknowledging ongoing collaboration between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to balance military needs with public safety, and he commended his working relationship with Peter Hegseth's agency, which was implicated in some of the mishaps. The situation highlighted tensions between civilian and military authorities over airspace management in the Washington, D.C. area.