Trump Calls for Air Traffic Controllers’ Return, Proposes $10k Bonus for Those Working

President Donald Trump on Monday ordered all US air traffic controllers to return to work amid the government shutdown, warning that those who do not comply could face substantial pay reductions.

The Details: In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!!” and added that employees who fail to return “will be substantially docked.” He also said he would recommend a $10,000 bonus for controllers who continued working during the government shutdown. Officials haven’t clarified how Trump’s proposed penalties or bonuses would be implemented under existing labor contracts. Controllers missed their second full paycheck this week, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reporting between 20% and 40% of controllers not showing up for work on any given day.

For Context: The ongoing government shutdown has left roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers, 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, and over a million other federal workers without pay. The Senate voted late Sunday to advance a measure to reopen the government. Last week, the FAA ordered a 10% cut in air traffic to address potential staffing shortages.

How the Media Covered It: Forbes (Center) quoted three air traffic controllers who said Trump’s threats would “backfire” and cause more of the workforce to leave. It also mentioned controllers will receive back-pay after the shutdown ends. Fox Business (Lean Right) led with the proposed $10,000 bonus for controllers who are still working, and excerpts from Trump’s interview with “The Ingraham Angle” where he said he’ll find the money for those bonuses “someplace…I always get the money from someplace regardless.” NPR (Lean Left) highlighted criticism of Trump’s comments by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and the impact of the government shutdown on airports across the country, leading to over 4,500 flight cancellations and 18,000 delays nationwide.

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