Frank McIntosh, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Air Traffic Organization at the Federal Aviation Administration, declined to say how many air traffic controllers had left their jobs during President Donald Trump's second term in office.
During a Thursday House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) grilled McIntosh about whether air traffic controllers had received a buyout offer from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
"I am not aware if they received the buyout offer," McIntosh claimed.
"We're talking about people who work 10 hours a day, six days a week for years at a time," Johnson noted. "And, you know, if they did receive the buyout offer, that would have incentivized them who are already exhausted and suffering burnout."
"How many air traffic controllers have left the system since January 20th of 2025?" the lawmaker wondered.
"It could have been one, it could have been a thousand," McIntosh replied.
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"Could have been 5,000?" Johnson asked.
"No," McIntosh said. "I track how many air traffic controllers are in the system."
"Well, tell us how many have left their jobs since January 20th," Johnson demanded.
"I can't tell you that exact number, sir," the Trump official asserted.
"You won't tell us that!" Johnson exclaimed.
