President Trump publicly criticized U.S. air traffic controllers who stayed home during the government shutdown, after many had been required to continue working without pay. In a Truth Social message, he wrote that he was “NOT HAPPY” about controllers taking time off and ordered that all must return to work immediately, warning that those who did not would be “substantially docked.”
The Federal Aviation Administration was already coping with a shortage of controllers before the shutdown, and the problem intensified as employees received partial paychecks and then none at all. Some controllers have taken second jobs, others have called in sick, and many faced missing a second full paycheck this week.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association told NPR that members had been working without pay for more than 40 days, often under six-day weeks and 10-hour days. The union described the workforce as “unsung heroes” who continue to perform highly stressful, demanding duties without compensation and said they deserve praise.
Trump praised controllers who remained on duty as “GREAT PATRIOTS” and said he would recommend $10,000 bonuses for them. He also told those who wanted to quit they could do so but would receive no severance or payment and would be “quickly replaced by true Patriots.” Critics pointed out that training and certifying new controllers takes years, complicating efforts to fill vacancies quickly.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X commending those who worked through the shutdown and said he would work with Congress to reward their commitment. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg sharply rebuked the president on X, saying Trump “wouldn’t last five minutes as an air traffic controller” and arguing the administration had no business denigrating workers after how they had been treated.
Last week the FAA announced it would reduce flights by up to 10% at 40 of the busiest airports, beginning with a 4% cut implemented on Friday. The reductions contributed to travel disruptions: FlightAware recorded more than 4,500 cancellations and about 18,000 delays over the weekend.
Travelers described the consequences firsthand. At Philadelphia International Airport, Phill Hicks had a flight to West Palm Beach canceled and rebooked twice and said he was prepared to drive if necessary; he urged lawmakers to “get together and figure it out,” after witnessing senators announce a potential deal to reopen the government. Seth Alpert faced a two-hour delay returning to Columbus, Ohio, and rented a car as a backup plan.
