Key Takeaways:
- Accountability First: President Trump ordered that air traffic controllers who failed to report during the shutdown would have their pay docked, while rewarding those who showed up.
- Rewarding Patriots: Trump announced plans to recommend $10,000 bonuses for controllers who continued working through the “Democrat Shutdown Hoax,” calling them “great patriots.”
- Performance Over Politics: The president’s move underscored his belief in merit and responsibility, sending a message that dedication—not excuses—will always be recognized in his administration.
President Donald Trump had a message for America’s air traffic controllers: show up, or lose pay. As the Senate worked to end the 41-day government shutdown, Trump blasted absent controllers while pledging big rewards for those who stayed on the job.
“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!!” Trump wrote on social media. “Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked.’”
While most controllers continued working without pay during the shutdown, some missed shifts or sought other jobs as the impasse dragged on. That caused major headaches for travelers, with airlines forced to cancel about 4 percent of flights and more than 10,000 delays reported over the weekend.
“For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country,” Trump said. “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.”
The Senate’s temporary funding deal would provide back pay for all federal workers once passed, but Trump made it clear that exceptional effort deserves exceptional recognition.
It’s classic Trump: rewarding merit, discouraging entitlement, and putting performance over politics. In a Washington town too often filled with excuses, the president is making sure hard work still means something—especially when America’s skies depend on it.