President Trump criticized U.S. air traffic controllers who called out of work during the government shutdown, when many were forced to continue working without pay. In a Truth Social post, he said he was “NOT HAPPY” with controllers taking time off and ordered, “All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked.'”
The FAA had faced a controller shortage before the shutdown, but the situation worsened when employees received partial paychecks and then none. Some controllers have taken second jobs and others have called in sick; many are set to miss a second full paycheck this week.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association told NPR that controllers have been working without pay for more than 40 days. The union said the majority continue to perform highly stressful, demanding jobs without compensation, often working six-day weeks and ten-hour days. It called them “unsung heroes” who deserve praise.
Trump praised controllers who stayed on duty as “GREAT PATRIOTS” and said he would recommend $10,000 bonuses for them. He also told those who wanted to quit they should do so but would receive “NO payment or severance of any kind!” and would be “quickly replaced by true Patriots.” Critics noted that training and certifying new controllers takes years, contributing to staffing shortages.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X that he praised those who worked throughout the shutdown and would work with Congress to reward their commitment. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg sharply criticized Trump’s remarks on X, saying the president “wouldn’t last five minutes as an air traffic controller” and had no business denigrating workers after how the administration treated them.
Last week the FAA said it would reduce flights by up to 10% at 40 of the busiest airports, starting with a 4% cut implemented Friday. That led to significant travel disruptions: FlightAware reported more than 4,500 cancellations and about 18,000 delays over the weekend.
Travelers described the impact. At Philadelphia International Airport, Phill Hicks had a flight to West Palm Beach canceled and rebooked twice and prepared to drive if necessary. Seth Alpert faced a two-hour delay returning to Columbus, Ohio, and rented a car as a backup. Hicks, present when senators announced a potential deal to reopen the government, urged lawmakers to “get together and figure it out,” saying they were elected to do a job.
