(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

The Trump White House announced on Friday, May 2, 2025, that it wants to cut funding for the Transportation Security Administration by $247 million. In its proposal to cut TSA officer levels, the White House stated that “TSA has consistently failed audits while implementing intrusive screening measures that violate Americans’ privacy and dignity.” Although the White House didn’t mention that the TSA screening program has managed to prevent any major attacks against commercial aviation since its inception.

Trump’s budget proposal also wants to cut funding for the Essential Air Services Program, which subsidizes commercial air service to rural airports like the MOV. (During Trump’s first administration he also attempted to kill the entire Essential Air Services Program but was overridden by Congress).

Maybe the Trump voters in the MOV don’t care about the airport since it was clear that Trump previously wanted to eliminate it and they re-elected him? Many who voted for Trump but have lost their jobs at the Bureau of Fiscal Services regret their vote now. Many more may regret their vote if the MOV Airport is closed for passenger service. Elections do have consequences.

John D. Gainer

Parkersburg