Federal officials blame disruptions on understaffing at airlines - who counter by noting staff problems at the FAA, which employs air traffic controllers.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, an ally of the president, says that “without sufficient explanation, it’s fair to question the president’s rationale for removing an inspector general. If the president has a good reason to remove an inspector general, just tell Congress what it is."
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao has used government planes instead of cheaper commercial airline flights seven times in the past eight months, according to The Washington Post.