Delta reported that bookings have suffered due to the trade war spurred by Trump's tariff policies and stated it will not expand its flying operations in the second half of the year.

Delta Air Lines removed an employee from its social media team and revised its uniform policy to only allow U.S. flag pins after backlash over a contentious post perceived as anti-Palestinian. The move has drawn criticism from employees, civil rights organizations, and unionizing workers, who argue that it suppresses free expression and cultural diversity.

Earlier this month, a Delta Air Lines flight reportedly flipped upside down and erupted into flames during its landing at Toronto Pearson Airport. Although all passengers survived, the incident has raised serious questions about the airline’s maintenance protocols and overall operational safety.

Delta Air Lines publicly opposed a controversial Georgia voting law that threatened to disenfranchise voters, aligning with a broader trend of business leaders pushing back against authoritarian policies. This move highlights the company’s commitment to democratic principles and serves as an example of ethical executive political engagement.

Reports indicate that Delta Air Lines engaged in record federal lobbying efforts during 2024, spending tens of millions of dollars and employing a revolving door staffing practice where a significant number of lobbyists have previous government experience. This aggressive approach raises serious concerns about the airline's role in shaping policies that may favor authoritarian practices.

Delta Air Lines has been reported to contribute over $3.7 million and spend approximately $5.6 million on lobbying during the 2024 election cycle. Additionally, a significant portion of its lobbyists have previously held government positions, highlighting a strong revolving door effect that raises concerns about corporate influence on policy.

Delta Air Lines allocated $5,625,000 for lobbying efforts in 2024, reflecting significant political engagement that may help bolster authoritarian policies by influencing regulatory processes and public policy decisions.

Delta Air Lines disclosed a $60,000 lobbying expenditure during Q4 2024 aimed at influencing issues such as infrastructure, airline taxes and fees, and FAA re-authorization. This activity raises concerns from an anti-fascist perspective about excessive corporate influence in political decision-making.

Delta Air Lines released an updated Human Rights and Employment Policy that commits to anti-discrimination, diversity, freely chosen employment, safe working conditions, and a prohibition of forced labor. The policy, effective July 26, 2024, reflects Delta's commitment to adhering to international labor and human rights standards in its operations, supplier relationships, and employment practices.

Delta Air Lines workers gathered to demand union representation and protest against alleged anti-union practices, including union busting and poor labor conditions.

Delta Air Lines released a comprehensive statement and accompanying report in June 2024 detailing its multifaceted efforts to combat modern slavery, human trafficking, and related human rights abuses. The report outlines its ethical supplier code of conduct, robust employee training programs, public awareness campaigns, and legislative advocacy efforts aimed at preventing forced and child labor both internally and within its global supply chain.

Twenty-five senators signed a letter urging Delta Air Lines' management to adhere to the law and remain neutral in union organizing. The letter highlights concerns over Delta's low union representation—with only 20% of workers unionized—and suggests that restrictive labor practices may undermine worker rights and contribute to corporate complicity in suppressing collective bargaining.

A bipartisan letter signed by 146 members of Congress criticized Delta Air Lines for its anti-union practices, including threatening workers and running an anti-union website. The letter calls for a neutrality agreement to allow fair and unbiased union organizing.

Over 140 members of Congress, including leaders from the Congressional Labor Caucus, urged Delta Air Lines to sign a neutrality agreement, thereby refraining from taking a position in the ongoing unionization push by Teamsters and other groups representing its large workforce. Lawmakers argued that such an agreement is the bare minimum for respecting workers’ rights and adhering to the Railway Labor Act.

On February 13, 2024, 146 members of Congress signed a letter demanding that Delta Air Lines adopt a neutrality agreement to end its anti-union practices. The letter highlighted allegations that Delta has engaged in intimidating employees, running an anti-union website, and distributing literature discouraging unionization.

Delta Air Lines outlined its commitment to shape public policy positively through active lobbying and transparent political contributions. The company emphasizes its dedication to community, workforce, and environmental issues while ensuring rigorous oversight by senior executives and formal governance structures.

Delta Air Lines' shareholders voted to require the airline to disclose its climate lobbying activities, highlighting concerns over previous opacity in political contributions and lobbying efforts. The move pushes the company toward greater accountability in its political engagement.

Delta Air Lines faced backlash after donating funds to legislators who sponsored Georgia's restrictive S.B. 202 law and for its CEO’s inconsistent messaging. Despite acknowledging the law’s negative impact on Black voters, the company declined to commit to divesting from donations to anti-voting rights candidates, prompting protests and boycott calls.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian publicly criticized a GOP-backed Georgia voting law as unacceptable and based on false claims. In his statement, he condemned the measures seen as voter suppression targeting marginalized Black and Brown communities and noted the company's efforts to work with elected officials to remove the most suppressive provisions.

Delta Air Lines released an Anti-Slavery and Anti-Human Trafficking Statement in 2018 outlining its commitment to combat human trafficking and modern slavery through strict supplier due diligence, employee training, and active lobbying for anti-trafficking legislation.