Trump says Spirit Airlines rescue deal could come soon

May 1, 2026, 2:49 p.m. ETPresident Trump stated the White House has given Spirit Airlines a final proposal to rescue the bankrupt carrier.Spirit is reportedly preparing to cease operations if a deal is not reached with creditors for a government bailout.The White House has contacted other airlines to discuss accommodating Spirit passengers in the event of a shutdown.WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said on Friday the White House had given Spirit Airlines and its creditors a final proposal to try to rescue the bankrupt airline, even as the budget carrier makes preparations to shut down if no deal is reached. "We're looking at Spirit. If we can help them, we will, but we have to come first," Trump told reporters. "If we could do it, we'd do it, but only if it's a good deal." Trump added he expected an announcement later on Friday.Two people familiar with the matter confirmed a Wall Street Journal report that Spirit is preparing to cease operations after hitting an impasse in talks with some creditors on a $500 million government bailout plan. The White House has reached out to other airlines to discuss how to accommodate passengers with Spirit tickets who could be stranded