The Trump administration has initiated mass firings at the FAA, laying off nearly 400 employees, raising significant concerns about air safety. Union representatives express worry that the cuts impact critical positions that help support air safety. As a result, former FAA workers, including those involved in missile defense, express fear over national security implications and the likelihood of future aviation disasters. These layoffs come on the heels of a series of serious aviation incidents, including a deadly plane crash and a midair collision. While the transportation chief downplays the severity of the firings, many FAA staff and unions are analyzing their potential effects on safety, as travelers grow increasingly uneasy about flying.