By Agency Reporter
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned striking air traffic controllers that their pay will be cut if they continue to stay off work, as the prolonged government shutdown entered its 41st day on Monday.
Trump, speaking from the White House, described the absence of some aviation workers as “unpatriotic” and demanded an immediate return to duty.
“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account, adding that those who failed to show up “will be substantially docked.”
The President also announced plans to reward those still working during the shutdown, saying he was recommending a $10,000 bonus for what he called “GREAT PATRIOTS who did not take time off.”
But his comments have sparked outrage among workers and lawmakers, with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) accusing the administration of using aviation professionals as political pawns.
“Enough is enough,” the union declared in a statement. “This nation’s air traffic controllers have been working without pay for over 40 days. Many are working six-day weeks and ten-hour days without any pay.”
Union president Nick Daniels said during a press briefing that air traffic controllers were being unfairly targeted.
“Air traffic controllers should not be the political pawn during a government shutdown,” he said, describing the ongoing situation as “dire.”
He, however, welcomed reports of a potential funding deal in Congress, calling it “a right step in the right direction.”
Flight delays and cancellations continue to rise across major U.S. airports. Over 2,300 flights were cancelled on Monday, with an additional 8,700 delayed, according to aviation tracker FlightAware. Airlines have also cancelled more than 1,100 flights scheduled for Tuesday.
Trump’s critics in Congress wasted no time reacting. Democratic lawmaker Rick Larsen described the President’s comments as “nuts,” saying, “The women and men working long hours in air traffic control towers to keep the aviation system running deserve our thanks and appreciation, not unhinged attacks on their patriotism.”
Speaking later on Fox News, Trump doubled down on his promise of bonuses but admitted uncertainty about funding sources.
“I don’t know. I’ll get it from someplace… I always get the money from someplace,” he said. “Regardless, it doesn’t matter.”
Meanwhile, the ongoing shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — has left thousands of federal employees unpaid, forcing many to depend on loans and community food banks. Some, like Amy Lark, an air traffic controller in Virginia, say the hardship is overwhelming.
“Yesterday, my kids asked me how long we could stay in our house,” she said tearfully. “Having to answer that question was heartbreaking.”
The Federal Aviation Administration has already ordered a 10 percent reduction in flights at several airports due to “staffing triggers.” Travellers, in turn, are growing anxious over the mounting delays and cancellations.
“It’s a little crazy this morning,” said Jack Nicks, a passenger at Miami International Airport. “I have other friends who’ve had three flight changes already. It’s a little rough.”
A temporary deal being considered by Congress could see the government funded through January, but NATCA warns that even if approved, it could take weeks for workers to receive back pay just as it did after the 2019 shutdown.
