Sean Duffy details spat with Elon Musk over firing air traffic controllers, says cabinet must call shots
According to Duffy, the two had "a little back and forth" after Musk proposed the firing of "safety-critical positions," including air traffic controllers, which was a red line for the transportation secretary.
"I think it might not have been intentional, might have been ham-handed by some of the requests that were made by DOGE, but my position was, we are not going to fire air traffic controllers," Duffy told the Post's Miranda Devine.
The secretary explained that the conversation took place before the tragic plane crash in Washington, D.C., that killed dozens in January, noting, "This was before DCA. Safety critical positions are not going to be fired within the Department of Transportation."
On January 27, an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with a regional jet at Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, killing 67 passengers. The collision brought heightened scrutiny to air travel safety, and more specifically, the state of the nation's air traffic control systems.
The transportation secretary clarified that while he gets "along well enough" with Musk, "Elon — or no one else — is the secretary. I am. The Senate confirmed me."
Duffy acknowledged that his department could "do things more efficiently," but insisted that firing air traffic controllers was not an option — a stance that apparently sparked the feud between him and the Tesla CEO.
"There is fat we can – that we can cut, but we are not going to fire controllers," he told Devine. "And so we had a little back and forth, [but] we got along very well after that. I think the papers made it a bigger deal than it was."
The transportation chief praised Elon for being an "amazing innovator," but reiterated that he is the one in charge of driving the nation's transportation policy, expressing relief that he followed his instincts and refused to fire air traffic controllers.
"Elon is an amazing innovator. He's creative. And again, there's a lot to learn from him, but I run this department, and again, I didn't want someone on the outside trying to tell me to fire people," he explained. "Had I done that, had I actually fired controllers, oh, my — think what the liberal media would do to me. I would be slaughtered. We didn't, thank God, but [this] is why, throughout government, you have to make sure that the secretaries are the ones who are driving the policy."
Fox News Digital has reached out to Elon Musk for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
3 hours ago
- New York Post
Waterdrop Water Filter review: A game-changer for clean, great-tasting water
New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Let's be honest, we've all been there — lugging massive plastic water jugs into our kitchens, subscribing to overpriced 'spring water' deliveries and then still buying fridge filters that barely make a dent in water quality. Sound familiar? You're not alone. If you're like me, then you're probably subscribed to a monthly water delivery service and are paying over $100 per month on 'Spring Water,' plus a rental fee for the dispenser. The point is that we pay a significant premium for the bare essentials when it comes to water. Advertisement Enter the Waterdrop Filter X12 Pro RO System, a reverse osmosis system that says, 'You deserve better,' and then actually delivers. With its sleek design, smart faucet and science-y sounding 11-stage filtration process (yes, eleven!), this is not your basic under-sink setup. It's essentially the Tesla of water systems (if Tesla made household appliances and didn't just launch things into orbit. Waterdrop Filter Pros Sleek and compact design Smart Faucet with easy-to-use features Easy to install Impressive flow rate Water tastes great Cons: On the expensive end Countertop installation might require professional assistance Let's start with aesthetics. The X12 doesn't look like a clunky appliance you'd want to hide. It's compact enough to fit under most sinks but still packs in features that would make an engineer swoon: UV sterilization, smart touch faucet with an LED display and real-time TDS readings. Better yet, Waterdrop Filter comes fully equipped with the X12 Pro Dual Flow feature, allowing users to choose between two water outlets for different filtration needs, making it even more versatile for daily use. One flow is for purified drinking water through the Reverse Osmosis Faucet, while the other provides clean water from Your Kitchen Faucet for cleaner washing (think: fruit, dishes), offering you and your household complete purity. Dimensions: 18.2″ (W) x 6.3″ (D) x 16.7″ (H) | Warranty: 1-year warranty (customers may purchase additional years of coverage at an extra cost) How it Works & Setup Al Murillo Installation sounds intimidating, right? It's not. The entire process took me about 45 minutes and was less intimidating than I had anticipated. The system includes 11 pieces, including the Teflon tape and a valve converter if your outlet isn't standard. The instructions are clear, the fittings are color-coded and if you're even slightly handy (or have access to YouTube), you'll be fine. That said, the only slightly tricky part is drilling the hole for the faucet if you don't already have a sprayer hole in your counter. Don't be alarmed, it's nothing that a couple of YouTube tutorials can't teach you within 5 minutes. The Four-Connection Setup Al Murillo Let's break it down: Water Port Tube: Connects the system to the smart faucet. Drain Water Tube: Sends wastewater out. Inlet Hose: Brings in cold water. Outlet Hose: Connects to your original kitchen faucet. That's it — no plumber. No stress. Just you, a screwdriver and about an hour of feeling like a DIY god. Al Murillo What makes a Waterdrop filter different? Once the system is connected, you plug it in and watch the Smart Faucet screen light up like a tiny control center. The first flush cycle takes about 35 minutes, the process that cleans the filters and preps the system. Bonus: you can pause it after 5 minutes if needed (you know, if you want to show it off to your neighbors). Water So Good, You'll Side-Eye Your Old Filter Let's talk about the actual water. It's cleaner and it tastes better. That's because of the X12's precise pH adjustment to around 7.5±, which is the sweet spot for drinking water. Too acidic or too alkaline can affect everything from taste to digestion. Balancing the pH helps maintain healthy minerals while avoiding that flat, 'dead' taste you sometimes get from over-filtered water. It's a household investment that I feel good about, especially when I know that fresh water comes in a flash. This creates a better living environment for me and my family. What's the Deal with TDS, Anyway? TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, a measurement of the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances in water. According to the EPA, lower TDS often means cleaner, better-tasting water. The X12 lets you watch these numbers drop with every pour thanks to its LED readout. It's like having a mini science lab in your kitchen, except way cooler. UV Sterilization: Your Invisible Bodyguard The built-in UV sterilizer activates as water dispenses, zapping microbes you can't see. This is especially helpful if your tap water contains bacteria or if you're using well water. Every time that little blue UV icon lights up, you know something powerful (and invisible) just happened. This makes my life easier and helps refute impurities from making its way into my glass. Smart Faucet = Smart Living Can we take a second to applaud the Smart Faucet? This thing pours fast — I mean 3-seconds fast! I was very impressed. Not only that, but it lets you set exact volumes from 5 to 64 ounces, saving you from overflows or guessing. Want a quick 16 oz for your water bottle? Turn the knob and go. It even reminds you when it's time to change filters, which saves me the guesswork (considering there are so many household to-dos already on my plate). Goodbye Plastic Bottles, Hello Sustainability If environmental impact matters to you (and it should), the X12 is a game-changer. Under-the-sink reverse osmosis systems help the environment by reducing the use of plastic water bottles, which is very important to me. You're saving hundreds — maybe thousands — of bottles a year. Plus, Waterdrop Filter has a recycling program for used filters. Maintenance? Barely Any. Waterdrop Filter Replacing filters is simple and tool-free. The system uses color-coded indicators and the Smart Faucet reminds you which filter needs attention. Depending on usage, you'll swap them every 6-12 months. Thankfully, a technician isn't needed, and you won't find any off-kilter (or should we say off-filter) surprises like with some pitcher filters. What's more, you can also track how many days each filter has until it needs replacement, which is ultra-convenient. Customer Support That Doesn't Ghost You Waterdrop Filter's customer service is worth noting and something that, I find, makes it stand out among competitors. The website offers a handy compatibility guide by household size, residence type, and usage. The brand also has responsive support reps if you run into questions. It's not just 'buy it and figure it out'; Waterdrop Filter sticks with you — which is just as good as having fresh drinking water at my disposal. The Final Verdict Yes, the X12 Pro RO System is an investment, but it pays for itself in under a year when you consider water deliveries, bottled water, and fridge filter replacements. Murillo's breakdown says it all: 'We pay a significant premium for the bare essentials when it comes to water.' With the X12, that premium finally works for you. Between the smart faucet, balanced pH, UV sterilization and sleek design, the Waterdrop Filter X12 feels like the future of home hydration. It saves you money, saves the planet and gives you water that actually makes you want to drink, feel refreshed and carry on with your day. How we tested Al Murillo Filtration Efficiency : We tested the X12's ability to reduce contaminants like chlorine, lead and sediment in various water samples. : We tested the X12's ability to reduce contaminants like chlorine, lead and sediment in various water samples. Flow Rate and Water Pressure : We measured the filter's impact on water flow and pressure to ensure efficient performance without slowdowns. : We measured the filter's impact on water flow and pressure to ensure efficient performance without slowdowns. Ease of Installation and Setup : We evaluated how easy it was to install the X12, focusing on setup time and clarity of instructions. : We evaluated how easy it was to install the X12, focusing on setup time and clarity of instructions. Taste and Odor Improvement : We assessed the filter's effectiveness at improving taste and eliminating unpleasant odors from tap water. : We assessed the filter's effectiveness at improving taste and eliminating unpleasant odors from tap water. Filter Longevity and Maintenance: We tested how long the filter lasted and how easy it was to replace and maintain. For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
New York Times
18 hours ago
- New York Times
Judge Blocks F.T.C. Investigation of Media Matters
A federal judge granted an injunction on Friday blocking the Federal Trade Commission's investigation of Media Matters, saying the inquiry violated the free speech rights of the liberal watchdog group, which had published research critical of Elon Musk and his social media platform, X. In May, the F.T.C. began examining whether Media Matters illegally colluded with other advertising advocacy groups to pinch off revenue from X. Media Matters reported in 2023 that ads on X appeared alongside antisemitic content. Media Matters sued the F.T.C., calling the inquiry a 'campaign of retribution' waged on behalf of Mr. Musk and the Trump administration. On Friday, Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan of U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia agreed, calling the inquiry 'a retaliatory act' and essentially blocking it from progressing, though the F.T.C. can appeal. 'This case presents a straightforward First Amendment violation,' Judge Sooknanan wrote in her ruling. She added, 'It should alarm all Americans when the government retaliates against individuals or organizations for engaging in constitutionally protected public debate.' Andrew Ferguson, the F.T.C. chairman appointed by Mr. Trump, has argued that advertiser boycotts are a form of censorship and can eliminate funding for important online venues for speech. The F.T.C.'s investigation is among several actions by the Trump administration against leading individuals and organizations in the political left, including some elite law firms and the Democratic fund-raising platform ActBlue. As part of its inquiry, the F.T.C. is also looking into whether roughly a dozen other prominent advertising and advocacy groups violated antitrust law by coordinating boycotts among advertisers. A spokesman for the F.T.C. did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Representatives for X did not respond to requests for comment. 'The court's ruling demonstrates the importance of fighting over folding, which far too many are doing when confronted with intimidation from the Trump administration,' Angelo Carusone, the president of Media Matters, said in a statement. 'We will continue to stand up and fight for the First Amendment rights that protect every American.' Research published by Media Matters in 2023 showed that ads appeared on X alongside neo-Nazi posts and other antisemitic content. At the time, advertisers were withdrawing from the site, many citing concerns about hateful and violent content. In addition, Mr. Musk endorsed an antisemitic conspiracy theory on the platform. Mr. Musk has filed several lawsuits against Media Matters contending that its research interfered with X's advertising business, and the organization was investigated by conservative attorneys general in Texas and Missouri. Mr. Musk's lawsuits are ongoing, but a federal court halted the state investigations last year, ruling that they were likely to infringe on Media Matters' right to free speech. The legal pressures have plunged Media Matters into crisis, as the group has conducted layoffs and scrambled to raise more cash from skittish donors, The New York Times reported last month.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
Does India Need Tesla Now as Much as It May Have a Few Years Ago?
Tesla opens two official stores in India, years after various efforts to enter the country while also avoiding the massive import tariffs on foreign-made vehicles. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a number of times regarding building a gigafactory in India, but the discussions have not resulted in a positive outcome for the country. Tesla now offers only the Model Y in India, assembled in China, but now lacks the attention and political will to build a full-size plant in the country of over one billion people, as India's domestic automakers catch up. For a country with over a billion people, India has remained largely uninterested in Tesla for a long time. Or so it seemed. Every few years we heard rumors of overtures made by Tesla's team to India's government, wanting to be the site of Tesla's future gigafactories, but after a few weeks of hopeful forward-looking political niceties nothing would materialize. The last time India was seen as being among the finalists for a Tesla Gigafactory was in 2023, as Elon Musk teased that he was looking at a number of countries for the next site, including Canada. But 2023 was also a very different time for Tesla and for Elon Musk, no matter how close it seems. At the time, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi even reported to have made a personal push for Gigafactory India, which would have given Tesla not only tremendous regional export potential, but also longer-range export potential to Europe. In the end, nothing came of that particular effort in 2023, though India did once again pop up in mid-February of this year as CEO Elon Musk met privately with Prime Minister Modi, amid rumors of another push for a Tesla gigafactory in India. Attractive Electric Micromobility Network One of the reasons India has been among the finalists for Tesla's next plant is its population of 1.45 billion, and India has a very advanced electric micromobility network, making it suitable to host thousands of Tesla Supercharger sites. Also, Tesla in 2023 was still reportedly considering a $25,000 model, which would have been a popular version for India and for regional export. The eventual demise of that model, believed to have been felled by a number of factors including inflation, seemingly closed the door on Gigafactory India as well. One major sticking point during all of these negotiations—at least as it concerns an official launch if not local manufacturing—was a waiver from India's very high import duties, which had effectively kept out many Tesla vehicles, even through the gray market. Now, Tesla appears to be inching closer to an official sales launch in the country if not local manufacture—a business case that seems to have eroded relatively quickly over the past two years. For starters, Tesla would need the money to build the factory in India, and its financial picture is seen as having steadily eroded throughout 2025. Stores in Delhi and Mumbai? Nevertheless, Tesla has just opened a showroom in Delhi and has leased several pieces of land in nearby cities. A Supercharger location has been built near the Delhi site as well, with more planned for neighboring cities. Overall, Tesla reportedly plans one store in Delhi and one in Mumbai, and so far the only model on sale in the country is the Model Y, which is made in China. It's not quite the big, official launch, but something closely resembling the arrival of a western luxury brand in China in the 1990s, and without local manufacturing presence. The Model Y in India, therefore, is bound to be a pricey, rare, rich person's car with just a couple of official company stores located far apart—quite different from what was envisioned a few years ago. And it won't be an offering for the middle class, like it is in China or Europe. When it comes to local manufacturing, those chances now seem lower than just two years ago when the Berlin-Brandenburg plant was at least meeting European demand. That demand abruptly cratered due to a significant dip in Elon Musk's popularity in a number of western European countries and remains unlikely to be regained anytime soon. Likewise, Tesla appears to be done building gigafactories in far-off foreign countries for the time being, at least barring major political changes. More importantly, Tesla no longer appears to have the capital to devote to such a venture, nor any new (and actually affordable) models to offer India, while also facing a thin middle class not willing to spend money on anything the automaker has in its lineup at the moment. Those major political changes may well turn out to be China's quick assimilation of the EV market in scores of developing countries in Southeast Asia and South America, both of which disfavor Tesla's regional ambitions on the Indian subcontinent. We are also likely to see India's domestic automakers, Mahindra and Tata among them, break out of a largely domestic market and offer their own affordable and desirable EVs that can be exported—something which is already happening. India, it appears, may not need Tesla as it did just a few years ago. Does Tesla need new, less expensive vehicles in its lineup, beyond the Model 3 and Model Y? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
