ANNALS OF TRUMPI$TAN; Spirit may get $500 million bailout deal with Trump administration. (C.A. Bridges, USA Today network -- Florida, April 22, 2026)

From USA Today Network -- Florida:

Spirit may get $500 million bailout deal with Trump administration

Trump on struggling Florida airline: 'I’d love somebody to buy Spirit'

C. A. Bridges

USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

Updated April 22, 2026, 4:18 p.m. ET

• President Trump stated he would support a buyout of Spirit Airlines to save jobs.
• The airline is reportedly considering offering the U.S. government an equity stake for emergency funding.
• Spirit Airlines has been struggling with bankruptcies, a failed merger, and rising jet fuel prices.

The Trump administration is nearing a deal to rescue struggling Spirit Airlines, The Wall Street Journal reported April 22. The low-cost, Florida-based airline, which was planning to exit its second bankruptcy since 2024 before jet fuel prices went sky high, is reportedly ready to offer the U.S. government an equity stake in the company in exchange for $500 million in emergency funding to avoid liquidation.

The possible deal comes a day after President Donald Trump said he hoped someone would buy the company.

During an April 21 discussion with CNBC’s “Squawk Box” about a potential United Airlines-American Airlines merger, Trump said, "I don’t mind mergers. I think I’d love somebody to buy Spirit, as an example. You know, Spirit’s in trouble, and I'd love somebody to buy Spirit.

"It's 14,000 jobs, and maybe the federal government should help that one out," he said.

In 2025, the Trump administration took a 10% stake in tech company Intel Corp. for $11.1 billion in funds and pledges.

Is Spirit Airlines liquidating?

Last week, The Air Current reported that the spike in jet fuel prices could force the Daria Beach-based carrier to liquidate its assets, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Five major U.S. airlines — JetBlue, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines — have all raised checked bag fees in response to rising costs.

Delta has also cut some summer flights, including weekend service between Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

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If Spirit Airlines liquidates, can I get a refund on my tickets?

If Spirit is forced to ground its planes and liquidate, and you haven't canceled any future bookings, you have some options.

• Your credit car
• edit card, call the number on the back and tell the representative you want to dispute a charge. Refunds are not guaranteed, but it's your best bet.
• Your debit card: If you used a debit card, you can file a dispute for undelivered services, the U.S. Department of Transportation said, although it's not as likely. Call the number on the back and ask.
• Travel insurance: You may be able to get a refund if your specific policy covers "financial insolvency" on the part of the carrier and you bought your tickets before financial problems were announced. However, many policies won't allow it.

• C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best

• d: If you bought tickets through a crcontent directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.

• (This story was updated to add new information.)