WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on November 4, 2025, that portions of U.S. airspace could be forced to close if the ongoing federal government shutdown continues into next week. Speaking at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Duffy cited mounting pressure on the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as critical operations approach a breaking point due to the funding lapse.  

The shutdown, now entering its second week, stems from a budget impasse in Congress over federal spending priorities. Duffy, a former congressman and prominent ally of President Trump, emphasized that while essential air traffic services remain active, prolonged disruption could jeopardize flight safety, maintenance schedules, and airspace management across several regions.  

“If Congress fails to act soon, we may have no choice but to begin selective airspace closures to maintain safety and operational integrity,” Duffy said. “This is not a threat — it’s a reality of what happens when government funding runs dry.”  

The warning comes amid growing concern from airlines and transportation unions about the toll the shutdown is taking on aviation infrastructure. FAA employees, including safety inspectors and technical specialists, are reportedly working without pay, while training programs and equipment maintenance have been suspended.  

Administration officials have privately expressed frustration at congressional gridlock, arguing that the shutdown is undermining President Trump’s broader infrastructure agenda. Duffy echoed that sentiment, saying the administration remains committed to “modernizing America’s transportation systems, not watching them stall due to political dysfunction.”  

From a pro-Trump perspective, Duffy’s remarks reflect a hard but necessary truth: Washington’s entrenched bureaucracy and congressional inaction are the real culprits behind the crisis. The Trump administration has repeatedly urged lawmakers to pass a leaner, accountability-based budget that prioritizes critical services and national infrastructure over bloated federal programs.  

As negotiations continue, Duffy’s warning underscores the stakes for both the aviation industry and the broader economy. With air travel underpinning commerce, logistics, and public safety, any interruption would ripple far beyond airports — affecting every sector of American life. The message from the Trump administration is clear: restore funding, protect the skies, and stop playing politics with America’s infrastructure.