Musk Announces Rapid Air Traffic Control Upgrades Through DOGE Initiative

Tech billionaire Elon Musk announced that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will implement “rapid safety upgrades” to the air traffic control system in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The move, supported by President Donald Trump, comes amid renewed scrutiny over aviation safety and federal bureaucracy.

“With the support of President @realDonaldTrump, the @DOGE team will aim to make rapid safety upgrades to the air traffic control system,” Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he owns.

Musk’s announcement followed a recent failure of the FAA’s Notice to Air Mission system, which disrupted flight operations for several hours.

“Just a few days ago, the FAA’s primary aircraft safety notification system failed for several hours!” Musk added, highlighting concerns about outdated infrastructure.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that he had spoken with the DOGE team, which would assist in modernizing the aviation system. However, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has not yet released details on the scope or specifics of the planned upgrades.

A White House spokesperson defended DOGE’s role, emphasizing its commitment to efficiency and accountability. “DOGE is fulfilling President Trump’s commitment to making government more accountable, efficient, and, most importantly, restoring proper stewardship of the American taxpayer’s hard-earned dollars,” the spokesperson stated.

“Those leading this mission with Elon Musk are doing so in full compliance with federal law, appropriate security clearances, and as employees of the relevant agencies, not as outside advisors or entities.”

The spokesperson also addressed resistance from within the federal government. “The ongoing operations of DOGE may be seen as disruptive by those entrenched in the federal bureaucracy, who resist change,” they said.

“While change can be uncomfortable, it is necessary and aligns with the mandate supported by more than 77 million American voters.”

Musk, who owns SpaceX, Tesla, and X, has played an increasing role in shaping government operations. His latest announcement follows a deadly midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport involving an American Airlines passenger plane and a military helicopter.

All 67 people on board were killed, prompting renewed scrutiny of the FAA.

Reports surfaced that FAA employees received offers to resign with eight months’ pay just one day before the crash. However, an official with the Office of Personnel Management later clarified that air traffic controllers were not eligible for the offer.

While no evidence links these federal workforce reductions to the collision, the incident has fueled concerns over aviation safety under the Trump administration.

Trump, Musk, and DOGE have spearheaded efforts to streamline government spending by reducing the federal workforce. On his first day in office, Trump issued a federal hiring freeze, excluding air traffic controllers.

However, thousands of federal employees have been offered buyouts as part of the administration’s broader push to reduce bureaucracy.

Musk’s influence has expanded beyond aviation. His team recently sought access to the Treasury Department’s payment system, and DOGE staff have been involved in reshaping the Small Business Administration and the Government Services Administration.

Musk has also been a vocal proponent of cutting funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

The DOGE initiative has sparked significant criticism, particularly from former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who questioned the qualifications of its staff.

“They have no relevant experience. Most of them aren’t old enough to rent a car. And you’re going to let them mess with airline safety that’s already deteriorated on your watch?” Clinton posted on X.

Reports indicate that some DOGE staff members are young adults, with some lacking college degrees. In response, Duffy defended the initiative, arguing that entrenched bureaucrats are responsible for the nation’s infrastructure problems.

“Madam Secretary, with all due respect, ‘experienced’ Washington bureaucrats are the reason our nation’s infrastructure is crumbling. You need to sit this one out,” he replied.

The announcement of air traffic control upgrades comes as Trump’s administration continues to overhaul federal agencies. While Musk and his team promise rapid improvements, critics remain skeptical about the ability of DOGE personnel to handle critical infrastructure.

With aviation safety now a growing national concern, all eyes will be on how these proposed upgrades unfold.