“Pete For President” Buttigieg Slams Trump Over Air Safety And Rising Bank Fees
Pete Buttigieg is not staying silent.
The former Secretary of Transportation has taken a direct swipe at the Trump administration through a series of pointed social media posts addressing both the wave of FAA layoffs and a controversial push to increase bank fees.
With his sharp commentary and growing public support, Buttigieg appears more determined than ever to hold political leaders accountable. It has also encouraged the idea of “Pete For President” and the hope of American one day having an openly gay president.
A Crisis in Aviation Safety: What Went Wrong?
On Bluesky, Buttigieg did not mince words about the FAA crisis, posting, “Seriously, they are doing this. And it sounds like the Trump administration supports it.” His frustration mirrors a growing concern after a string of plane crashes that have left the public questioning the government’s priorities.
The recent decision to lay off hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees has brought aviation safety into the spotlight. These layoffs are happening while the country grapples with a series of alarming plane crashes, from a Delta Air Lines flight flipping on its roof in Toronto to a devastating collision near Reagan National Airport that killed 67 people.
As public concern grows, Buttigieg has been vocal about the need for transparency, asking, “How many FAA personnel were just fired? What positions? And why?” His social media posts have struck a chord with many, echoing the public’s growing frustration with the lack of accountability.
Aviation experts are also raising alarms. David Spero, president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union, has warned that the layoffs could have devastating long-term effects by reducing capacity for radar monitoring, equipment maintenance, and safety operations.
Banking Changes Spark Public Outrage
But that’s not all Pete has been talking about. Another one of his recent posts highlighted legislation introduced by Republican lawmakers aimed at increasing bank fees. “I am not making this up: Republicans have introduced legislation to increase your bank fees,” Buttigieg wrote.
His post sheds light on new efforts to roll back a key Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) overdraft rule, a move criticised for prioritising banking industry profits at the expense of customers. The accompanying Politico Pro headline on the matter reads, “Banking and Financial Services chairs lead the charge to roll back CFPB overdraft rule.”
Buttigieg’s comments didn’t just strike a chord, they ignited a wave of support. Responses to his Instagram post included statements like “Pete For President” from @misspaulathomas, “Help us Pete. Please lead the charge” from @yvielovesfood, and “Pete For President 2028!!!” with heart and praise emojis from @johan_michaels. Another user, @lindabotanica, chimed in with “Thanks Mr. Soon To Be President (I hope!)” highlighting the admiration and hope many feel toward Buttigieg’s leadership.
As the Trump administration continues its focus on cutting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the FAA, criticisms from leaders like Buttigieg are resonating with the public. Aviation safety experts warn that layoffs combined with a stretched workforce could spell more trouble for air travel in the months ahead.
Meanwhile, the push for higher bank fees by Republican lawmakers fuels the perception that those in power are out of touch with everyday Americans. Buttigieg’s posts are a rallying cry for anyone frustrated by these decisions and judging by the public response, his voice is one people are eager to follow.
We’re watching, Pete. Keep asking the tough questions.
