President Trump is slamming U.S. air traffic controllers who called out of work during the government shutdown, a period during which they were forced to stay on the job without pay.
Trump expressed his frustration in a post on Truth Social Monday morning, stating that he was “NOT HAPPY” with controllers who took time off. “All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,'” he wrote.
Some controllers have taken on second jobs, while others have called in sick. They are set to miss their second full paycheck this week. Meanwhile, Trump praised those controllers who took no time off during the longest shutdown in U.S. history, calling them “GREAT PATRIOTS” and saying he would recommend giving each a $10,000 bonus.
He added that any controllers wishing to quit shouldn’t hesitate but would receive “NO payment or severance of any kind!” and would be “quickly replaced by true Patriots.” It’s important to note that one reason for the shortage of controllers is that it takes years to train and certify new personnel.
In a subsequent post on X, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised “those who have worked throughout the shutdown” and said he would work with Congress to “reward your commitment.”
However, others have sharply criticized Trump’s comments. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg responded on X, saying, “The President wouldn’t last five minutes as an air traffic controller, and after everything they’ve been through and the way this administration has treated them from Day One he has no business s****ing on them now.”
Last week, the FAA announced it would reduce flights by up to 10% at 40 of the busiest airports in the country, starting with a 4% reduction implemented on Friday. These cuts contributed to major travel headaches over the weekend.
According to the flight tracking website FlightAware, there were more than 4,500 cancellations and 18,000 delays at airports across the U.S.
At Philadelphia International Airport, passenger Phill Hicks experienced multiple cancellations. His flight to West Palm Beach, Florida, was canceled and rebooked twice on Sunday. Preparing to head home for the night and return for his flight Monday morning, he wasn’t confident his flight would take off either.
“I don’t believe this ticket,” Hicks told NPR, “but I’m going to gas my truck up, and take that trip if I have to.”
Similarly, Seth Alpert faced a two-hour delay on his flight back to Columbus, Ohio. Preparing for uncertainties, he rented a car as a backup plan.
“We’ll see. The incoming flight says it’s on time, or a few minutes delayed so, you know, 50-50,” Alpert said regarding his chances.
Hicks, who was stranded at the airport for several hours before senators announced they had reached a potential deal to reopen the government, expressed frustration with Congress.
“I think little cry babies need to get together and figure it out,” he said. “People elect them to do a job. Do your damn job.”
https://www.npr.org/2025/11/10/nx-s1-5604664/trump-air-traffic-controllers-forced-time-off-bonus
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