WASHINGTON — President Trump publicly rebuked air traffic controllers who took time off work during the 40-plus days of the ongoing government shutdown, saying those who continued working would be rewarded for their patriotism.
“For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU,” President Trump wrote Monday morning on Truth Social. “You will have a negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record.”
The president also announced that he would recommend a $10,000 bonus for the air traffic controllers “who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax.’”
“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,’” Trump warned. Thousands of flights across the country have been delayed or canceled since the Transportation Department began reducing service last week in response to the prolonged funding lapse.
The Federal Aviation Association recently implemented a 10% reduction in domestic flights at 40 major U.S. airports to ease pressure on controllers still on duty, many of whom have continued working without pay.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said he appreciated Trump’s recognition of those who kept working through the shutdown.
“Air traffic controllers have continued to show up during this shutdown. Every single day, they absolutely not only deserve their pay, they deserve to be recognized for what’s going on,” Daniels said Monday.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who had previously expressed understanding toward controllers who sought side work to get by, adopted a firmer stance echoing Trump’s comments.
“Air traffic controllers NEED to show up for work! To those who have worked throughout the shutdown — thank you for your patriotism and commitment to keeping our skies safe,” Duffy posted on X.
He added that he would work with Congress to ensure those who stayed on the job during the shutdown are properly rewarded.
The Senate took its first step toward ending the shutdown Sunday evening, with final votes on reopening the government expected later this week.