California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) delivered sharp criticism of President Donald Trump on Monday for deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at airport security checkpoints, as the partial government shutdown poses challenges for the domestic aviation sector.
‘Pathetic’ Donald Trump
In a post on the social media platform X, Newsom slammed Trump for deploying ICE agents at Airports. “Donald Trump has one playbook, no matter the issue or problem: SEND IN ICE!,” Newsom said in his post. He went on to add that the President owned the government shutdown, before calling him “incompetent” and “pathetic.”
Newsom had quoted a video of Trump thanking ICE agents being deployed, adding that he wouldn’t hesitate to bring in the National Guard to help with the shutdown.
Long Lines At Airports
In another post, the Governor, in a sarcastic swipe at Trump, quoted a video showing a long line at the Atlanta Airport at 5:00 AM in the morning. “Great work, @realDonaldTrump,” Newsom said.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the aviation industry urged lawmakers to break the deadlock and reach an agreement to end the shutdown, as long wait times and increased travel amid the Spring Break and the war in the Middle East continue to ravage the sector.
Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) CEO Ed Bastian shared that the flight operator was expecting over $400 million in additional charges due to surging jet fuel costs.
GOP Lawmakers Vote Against Funding
Newsom also posted the names of the GOP lawmakers who voted against a funding package for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The post included Newsom calling out several lawmakers.
“Here are the @GOP who just voted to block TSA funding. Make sure to send them a thank you note for your airport line,” Newsom said in the post.
The list of lawmakers comprised prominent Republicans, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune (R-SD), Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and more.
Interestingly, Cruz had pushed for a separate funding package for ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in an effort to break the stalemate and end the government shutdown.
Meanwhile, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees continue to work without pay, as Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk proposed covering their paychecks amid the shutdown.
Check out more of Benzinga’s Future Of Mobility coverage by following this link.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
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