Spirit Airlines nears $500M Trump bailout

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have been leading the high-stakes negotiations as Spirit struggles with a spike in jet fuel prices and a failed merger.

While the White House views the rescue as essential to maintaining competition in the airline industry, many GOP lawmakers have slammed the plan as a 'terrible idea' and a poor use of taxpayer dollars.

The potential deal represents one of the most significant federal interventions in a private corporation since the pandemic era.

Critics warn that a government-controlled airline could distort market dynamics and set a dangerous precedent for other struggling sectors.