Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Fla., on Newsmax Monday blamed the Biden administration for the collapse of Spirit Airlines.
He said that federal opposition to a proposed merger with JetBlue Airways ultimately weakened the low-cost carrier and contributed to job losses.
Speaking on "National Report," Patronis said the administration's decision to block the merger reduced competition in the airline industry rather than protecting consumers.
"When you look at what the Biden administration passed judgment on, they said it would be best for consumers if the merger did not take place," Patronis said.
"Ultimately, you've got about four major carriers in the United States. This would have created five. … This competition is good," he added.
The failed merger between JetBlue and Spirit had been positioned as a way to expand low-cost travel options, but it faced legal challenges from the Department of Justice, which argued the deal would harm competition in the budget airline sector.
Patronis contended that political considerations, including pressure from labor unions, influenced the administration's stance.
"I think they were heavily influenced by the labor unions," he said. "They did not want to see jobs or restructuring of agreements with the new merged JetBlue-Spirit combination. So unfortunately, I think politics got into the middle of this."
Spirit Airlines, known for its ultra-low-cost model, had long played a role in driving down ticket prices, according to Patronis, who said its absence could ease pricing pressure on larger carriers.
"Spirit goes into a market and creates a disrupting effect on driving down airfares," he said. "I'm sure that the legacy carriers in some cases are breathing a sigh of relief, because now they're not going to be having to be as competitive with their pricing."
Patronis also pointed to the airline's financial structure as a contributing factor in its downfall, noting that Spirit relied heavily on leased aircraft and carried significant debt.
"Their business practices — they were leveraged to the hilt," he said. "All their equipment was leased. There wasn't a whole lot of residual value there."
Patronis added that earlier action on the merger might have produced a different outcome and credited President Donald Trump with attempting to support the deal.
"The president tried to do everything he could to bring this deal in for a landing," Patronis said. "If this deal were put on the table a year ago, two years ago, we'd be having a different conversation today."
Patronis said the airline's struggles have had a direct impact on workers, estimating that more than 11,000 Floridians are now out of a job.
GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:
NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!
Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.
You need to watch NEWSMAX today.
Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!
Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now
BEST OFFER:
Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.
Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.
Even get Jon Voight's special series and President Trump's comedy programs and much more!
Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.
Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!
Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.