President Trump Says Government Could Buy Spirit Airlines

President Donald Trump has indicated that the federal government is considering purchasing Spirit Airlines as the ultra-low-cost carrier faces financial challenges following its second bankruptcy filing in less than a year.

Speaking to CNBC on Tuesday, Trump said the government could help keep the struggling airline afloat while also encouraging a buyer to step in. “Spirit’s in trouble and I’d love somebody to buy Spirit. It’s 14,000 jobs,” he stated, adding that “maybe the federal government should help that one out.”

The comments come as Spirit Airlines works to emerge from bankruptcy protection after filing in August 2025. The carrier had aimed to exit bankruptcy in late spring or early summer 2026 following a preliminary deal with lenders, but that plan was disrupted by rising oil prices triggered by U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iran, which sent jet fuel costs soaring in some markets.