Senator Ted Cruz (Republican, Texas) has voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration's proposed bailout plan for Spirit Airlines, which could see the U.S. government owning up to 90% of the airline. Cruz criticized the plan as a 'terrible idea,' recalling the negative outcomes of past corporate bailouts under the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). He was joined by Senator Tom Cotton (Republican, Arkansas), who questioned the wisdom of using taxpayer dollars for a struggling airline. President Donald Trump had suggested that federal intervention might be necessary to save Spirit, citing the potential loss of 14,000 jobs. Spirit Airlines, which filed for its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August 2025, is attempting to emerge as a leaner carrier after previous unsuccessful merger talks. The airline aims to focus on profitable routes and enhance its services to attract repeat customers.