On Monday, Nov. 10, U.S. President Donald Trump again commented on the aviation chaos during the government shutdown, demanding that all air traffic controllers return to work immediately. He also suggested issuing bonuses to those who stayed on duty during the shutdown and warned that absent employees would face pay cuts.
Trump posted on Truth Social: “All air traffic controllers must return to their posts immediately—act now! Anyone who does not return to work will have their pay substantially reduced.”
He said he would recommend giving a $10,000 bonus to the “great patriots,” meaning controllers who did not take leave during the shutdown, to recognize their outstanding service to the nation.
“For those who did nothing but complain and took time off, knowing full well they would soon receive full pay, I am very dissatisfied with you… At least in my view, your record now carries a negative mark.”
Trump continued: “If you plan to leave your post soon, don’t hesitate—resign immediately. You will receive no pay or severance! You will quickly be replaced by true patriots, who will perform even better with the brand-new, world-class advanced equipment we are about to acquire.”
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Shutdown causes widespread flight disruptions
This is the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, now lasting 41 days. The shutdown forced about 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees to work without pay. Some controllers were absent due to financial pressures or inability to afford childcare.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said last week that 20 percent to 40 percent of controllers were absent daily at the 30 largest U.S. airports.
As a result, nationwide flights have faced massive delays or cancellations. On Monday, airlines canceled nearly 2,000 flights, and with FAA requiring further 10 percent reductions in flights starting Friday, this number is expected to rise. A winter storm in Chicago also worsened the disruptions.
Flight tracking site FlightAware reported that as of 3 p.m. Eastern Time Monday, 5,825 flights were delayed. Sunday was the worst day for flight disruptions since the shutdown began, with 2,950 flights canceled and 11,200 flights delayed.
Air traffic unions and officials respond
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, told the media that he welcomed Trump’s recognition of controllers’ hard work. “Air traffic controllers continued working during this shutdown. They deserve not only pay but proper recognition.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy initially expressed understanding for controllers who took on side jobs to make ends meet, but later echoed Trump’s tough stance. He posted on X: “Air traffic controllers must report to work! Thanks to those who remained on duty during the shutdown—your patriotism and commitment to aviation safety are admirable.”
Duffy added that he would work with Congress to ensure employees who kept working during the shutdown receive rewards.
However, officials noted that once the government reopens, it remains unclear whether the White House has the authority to withhold pay under union contracts, and the source of funds for Trump’s proposed bonuses is also unspecified.
Airlines and Congress call for an end to the shutdown
After Trump’s post, stock prices of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines fell.
American Airlines reported that over 250,000 passenger flights were canceled or delayed over the weekend. COO David Seymour criticized: “This is completely unacceptable. Everyone deserves better service.”
Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan also urged Congress to quickly pass the government-reopening bill already advanced by the Senate. He said: “The government shutdown must end. The disruption to our customers and federal employees forced to work unpaid must also end.”
The FAA required airlines to reduce daily flights by 4 percent at 40 major airports starting last week, rising to 6 percent on Tuesday and 10 percent on Friday.
Staff shortages continued to worsen. As of Saturday, 81 air traffic control centers nationwide were understaffed—the highest since Oct. 1.
FAA and government response
Even before the shutdown, the FAA had about 3,500 fewer controllers than its target staffing, with many forced to work six days a week. Duffy said efforts are underway to retain controllers eligible for retirement, accelerate new hires, and advance a $12.5 billion air traffic system modernization plan.
Additionally, on Sunday evening, the FAA announced it would suspend private aircraft flights at 12 airports, including Chicago O’Hare and Reagan Washington National, to prioritize commercial flights.
The Senate took the first step to end the shutdown Sunday night, and Congress is expected to vote later this week on reopening the government.
By Gao Yun
