Trump urges all air traffic controllers back to work, promises $10,000 bonuses for those who stayed on the job during gov shutdown

President Donald Trump has demanded that all air traffic controllers return to work, despite the continuing government shutdown. Air traffic controllers, as well as many other federal employees, have gone without paychecks for weeks as Congress fights among themselves over health insurance subsidies. Trump offered a $10,000 bonus for those air traffic controllers who continued to work despite the pay lapse.

"All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! " Trump posted. "Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially 'docked.' 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."

"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. You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country. You will have a negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record. If you want to leave service in the near future, please do not hesitate to do so, with NO payment or severance of any kind!

"You will be quickly replaced by true Patriots, who will do a better job on the Brand New State of the Art Equipment, the best in the World, that we are in the process of ordering. The last “Administration” wasted Billions of Dollars trying to fix antiquated 'junk.' They had no idea what they were doing! Again, to our great American Patriots, GOD BLESS YOU - I won’t be able to send your money fast enough! To all others, REPORT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY. GOD BLESS AMERICA! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP"

There is a substantial shortage in air traffic controllers nationwide and there has been persistent understaffing. Over a period of 10 years from 2013 to 2023, only about two-thirds of the necessary staff was hired. Add that to a limited training capacity and the shortage has been persistent.

During the recent shutdown, some air traffic controllers were forced to take time off to work other jobs that actually delivered income while the government dithered and watching flight cancelations and delays pile up. According to Brookings, air traffic controllers in the US "handle more than 44,000 flights daily, including passenger and freight operations, general aviation (private planes and business jets, which account for 27% of all controlled flights), and military aircraft."