Trump Demands Immediate Return to Duty from Controllers Amid Historic Shutdown
On Monday, President Donald Trump chastised air traffic controllers, asking them to return to work immediately and threatening repercussions for any who don’t. His statement came as the national aviation system is under unprecedented stress from personnel shortages and unpaid vital employees.
Trump declared on social media, “All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be heavily “docked.” He called individuals who worked without pay during the shutdown “great patriots” and promised them a $10,000 award per person. However, he was “NOT HAPPY” with controllers who took time off while knowing they would eventually receive full pay, saying they would “have a negative mark” on their record. He further advised staff considering quitting to do so without severance because “true Patriots” would operate “brand-new state of the art equipment.”
In the fifth week of the longest U.S. shutdown, this crackdown is underway. Since early October, essential federal personnel, including air traffic controllers, have worked without pay. Many are struggling financially and taking sick leave, working second jobs, or quitting, leaving personnel gaps. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that 20%–40% of major airport controllers are missing on any given day during the crisis.
Flight delays are rising due to crew shortages. Over 2,000 planes were canceled and thousands delayed on Monday. The FAA ordered airlines to restrict flights at 40 major airports this week, with the cut set to expand if staffing doesn’t improve. Controllers working unpaid, overtime, and preoccupied by personal finances are putting the aviation system’s safety margin at risk.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) responded calmly. Nick Daniels, its president, said controllers “deserve our thanks and appreciation, not unhinged attacks on their patriotism.” Most members stayed to work. He warned against using workers as “political pawns” in the budget impasse.
Meanwhile, the shutdown impasse continues. A bipartisan Senate bill to reopen parts of the government was approved late Monday, but the House has yet to act. Flight cancellations, staffing loss, and morale could persist after the government ends unless Congress acts and wages begin.
This episode shows a major federal system flaw: underpaid public-safety activities can damage national infrastructure. The president’s demands strain a stretched workforce, and the holiday travel season raises stakes for airlines, airports, and customers.
Sources
Reuters
The Independent
Forbes
Times of India
