President Trump proposed that air traffic controllers who continued working throughout the government shutdown receive a $10,000 bonus.
“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! 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,” he wrote on Truth Social. “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!” Trump warned. “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.”
During the government shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prepared for flight disruptions as staffing shortages gripped air traffic control centers in major cities.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) was the first to delay flights, averaging 30-minute setbacks due to staffing issues, American Faith reported. Newark Liberty International (EWR) and New York’s LaGuardia (LGA) soon followed, issuing full ground stops that temporarily halted all departures.
“My message to the air traffic controllers who work for DOT is show up for work,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said amid the delays. “You have a job to do … those who have shown up, I’m grateful for them and their service.”
