Chuck Schumer Blasts Trump FAA Layoffs After Delta Plane Overturns On Landing In Toronto: President Fired 'Safety Specialists'

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has voiced concerns over the Federal Aviation Administration’s safety standards following recent layoffs, in the wake of a flight accident involving Delta Air Lines DAL at the Toronto Pearson Airport.

What Happened: Schumer took to X on Monday to express his views on the recent plane incident in Toronto, which originated from Minneapolis. He emphasized the FAA’s responsibility in inspecting aviation equipment, regardless of the plane’s destination.

In his post, Schumer stated, “To those asking whether it matters that the plane's destination was in Canada: The flight took off from Minneapolis. The FAA was still responsible for inspecting the aviation equipment, and Trump just let go of FAA safety specialists.”

He further criticized the Trump administration for the recent FAA layoffs amid a spate of recent accidents involving planes and said “We keep seeing these incidents day after day.” Schumer said that the “Democrats are fighting to protect the flying public.”

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Why It Matters: The Trump administration fired hundreds of FAA employees, including those working on radar and navigation systems, sparking concerns over aviation safety and national security, according to an Associated Press report.

The layoffs, which reportedly targeted probationary workers, came just weeks after a fatal midair collision. Some affected employees claim political motivations behind their dismissals, while federal officials insist critical safety functions remain intact.

Schumer’s comments come after a Delta regional jet overturned while landing at Toronto airport amidst a snowstorm, resulting in injuries to 18 people, three of whom are critically hurt. The flight had originated from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Image via Shutterstock

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This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Shivdeep Dhaliwal