Transportation Secretary Dean Duffy said that US aviation authorities are ready to allow DOGE chief Elon Musk to completely restructure the system.
Duffy speaking on Fox’s Hannity programme, expressed willingness to allow the efficiency-focused team to develop a fresh air traffic control system at “the speed of business, not bureaucracy”, citing urgent modernisation needs.
This announcement follows the most severe US airline disaster in nearly 25 years, where a Blackhawk helicopter’s collision with an American Airlines aircraft resulted in 67 fatalities, including all passengers and crew members.
Following his address at a state Department of Transport officials’ conference on Wednesday, Duffy elaborated on his decision to involve the space entrepreneur. He informed the host that the Tesla and X executive believes a modernised aviation system could be implemented within just 12 months.
“Sean, I was talking to Elon. I said, ‘what can we do this in, Elon? Two and a half, three years, can we make this happen?’ And he was like, ‘No, no. Two and a half, three years. No. We could do this in one year’.”
Duffy appears to welcome the involvement of Musk’s DOGE team members. “When you have these 22 year old young people who are smart and can engage and give us good advice, we’ll move at the speed of business as opposed to the speed of bureaucracy and government,” he said.
Duffy suggested that Democrats’ opposition stems from Musk’s participation. “We’re using World War Two technology. And it should have been updated, you know, 10, 20, 30 years ago. And so, again, I think Democrats right now, they’re upset about Elon Musk.”
Meanwhile Rep.Tim Kennedy (D-N.Y.) expressed serious concerns about Musk’s lack of expertise in air traffic control. He emphasised the poor timing, particularly following a recent tragic incident in Washington, DC, stating it would be unwise to grant authority to someone without relevant experience.
Additionally, Rep Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), a Transportation Committee member, warned of increased aviation accidents and potential ground operation issues.
However, Duffy defended Musk’s potential involvement, citing his achievements in space technology, a view apparently shared by Donald Trump.