President Donald Trump's administration and Republicans caught heat from political observers on Tuesday after reports indicated that a major airport would "go dark" for five hours because it didn't have enough air traffic controllers.
CNN aviation and transportation correspondent Pete Muntean reported on Tuesday that Nashville's airport would go dark tonight because of staffing shortages. The airport is the second such facility to shut down in as many days due to staffing issues, Muntean reported.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffysaid recently that staffing for air traffic controllers has declined by 50% in some areas because of the government shutdown.
Political observers responded to the news on social media.
"Air traffic controllers aren’t getting paid during the shutdown," Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) posted on X. "Now Americans are seeing flight cancellations & delays. House Republicans could end this crisis. Instead, they're taking a vacation."
"And the Trump/MAGA shutdown rolls on..... Why isn't Sec of Transportation Sean Duffy out there in front of this?" lawyer Tom Ryan of Arizona posted on X. "Air travel in America is unsafe at any speed."
"The speaker could call the house back at any time, but he has chosen not to," activist Matt Kimball posted on X. "The majority leader could negotiate in good faith to end the shutdown, but he has chosen not to."
"We are rapidly regressing as a country. It will take years to recover," retired educator Brenda Smoker posted on X.
"Awesome," Jim Gibson of Illinois posted on X.
"GOP doing this to keep from swearing in deciding vote to release the Epstein files. Man," Ronnie Pettross of Florida posted on X.
"Thanks Donald," Fran Grabowski of Michigan posted on X.
DEVELOPING: Nashville’s air traffic approach control will go dark for five hours tonight due to short staffing—the second FAA facility in as many days to shut down over shortages. pic.twitter.com/bThZ3zSIxi
— Pete Muntean (@petemuntean) October 7, 2025