Trump says he doesn’t like potential United-American merger but would “love somebody to buy Spirit”
President Trump on Tuesday told CNBC that he doesn’t like the idea of a United Airlines-American Airlines merger, but would “love somebody to buy Spirit.”
“Maybe the federal government should help that one,” Trump said on Tuesday, referring to Spirit’s attempts to emerge from bankruptcy.
Trump’s thoughts on United-American are an update from last week, when White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the potential megamerger was “not something the president or the White House have an opinion on or are weighing in on.”
American and United shares dipped following Trump’s comments, as did Spirit rival Frontier Airlines.
Trump: "I'd love somebody to buy Spirit Airlines. Maybe the federal government should help that one out. I told my people." pic.twitter.com/YS1GAMPeQ3
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 21, 2026