Trump blasts air traffic controllers over shutdown absences: ‘I am not happy with you’
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump lashed out on Monday, November 10, at air traffic controllers who had taken time off during the ongoing government shutdown, saying that he was “not happy” with them. He also recommended bonuses for those who stayed on the job.
In a fiery Truth Social post, Trump accused some controllers of abandoning their duties while others continued to work without pay, blaming Democrats for what he called the “shutdown hoax.”
Trump says all air traffic controllers must get back to work
American air travel has been disrupted as thousands of federal aviation workers continue to go unpaid during the weeks-long shutdown.
With a deal to reopen the government reportedly nearing, Trump’s message on Monday made clear his frustration with absences among key federal personnel.
“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!!” Trump wrote. “Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked.’”
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…
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) November 10, 2025
He promised a $10,000 bonus for those he described as “GREAT PATRIOTS,” who remained on the job throughout the shutdown.
“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,” Trump added.
President threatens penalties and lauds ‘true patriots’
The president went on to accuse those who took time off of undermining the country during what he called a “Fake Democrat attack."
“You didn’t step up to help the USA,” Trump wrote, warning that such workers would have “a negative mark” on their records.
“If you want to leave service in the near future, please do so, with NO payment or severance of any kind! You will be quickly replaced by true Patriots, who will do a better job,” he added.
Trump also touted upcoming plans to modernize air traffic control infrastructure, claiming that previous administrations had “wasted Billions of Dollars” on outdated systems.
Shutdown chaos hits air travel nationwide
The ongoing government shutdown has strained federal services nationwide, particularly in aviation, where air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration staff have reportedly faced missed paychecks and long hours.
Major airports have reported increasing flight delays and staffing shortages. The White House has blamed Democrats for blocking a Republican spending bill, while Democrats have accused Trump of using federal workers as leverage in political negotiations.
Trump ended his post by thanking those he described as “great American patriots” and reiterating his demand for all controllers to return to work immediately.
“GOD BLESS YOU – I won’t be able to send your money fast enough! To all others, REPORT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY. GOD BLESS AMERICA!” he concluded.
Airline passengers across the nation faced growing travel chaos over the weekend, with thousands of flights canceled or delayed as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered airlines to reduce traffic amid the ongoing government shutdown.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned on Sunday that flight reductions could reach 20% if the impasse persists.
