President Trump Criticizes Air Traffic Controllers Amid Government Shutdown
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President Trump Criticizes Air Traffic Controllers Amid Government Shutdown

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Summary

President Trump criticized air traffic controllers for calling out of work during the government shutdown and proposed $10,000 bonuses for those who remained on duty.

President Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with air traffic controllers who have called out of work during the ongoing government shutdown, during which they have been required to work without pay. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated he was "NOT HAPPY" with those taking time off and ordered all controllers to return to work immediately, warning that those who do not will be "substantially 'docked.'"

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been facing staffing shortages among air traffic controllers, a situation exacerbated by the shutdown. Some controllers have taken on second jobs or called in sick due to financial strain. The National Air Traffic Controllers Association highlighted that controllers have been working without pay for over 40 days, with many working six-day weeks and ten-hour days.

In response to the staffing issues, the FAA announced a reduction of flights by up to 10% at 40 major airports, starting with a 4% reduction implemented on Friday. This has led to significant travel disruptions, including over 4,500 cancellations and 18,000 delays at airports across the U.S.

President Trump praised controllers who continued working during the shutdown, referring to them as "GREAT PATRIOTS" and proposing a $10,000 bonus for those who did not take time off. He also suggested that controllers wishing to quit should do so without expecting any payment or severance, stating they would be "quickly replaced by true Patriots."

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commended those who have worked throughout the shutdown and indicated plans to work with Congress to "reward your commitment." However, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized Trump's comments, suggesting the President would not last five minutes as an air traffic controller and questioning his authority to criticize them after their treatment during the shutdown.

Travelers have been significantly impacted by the flight reductions. At Philadelphia International Airport, passengers like Phill Hicks and Seth Alpert faced cancellations and delays, expressing frustration over the situation and urging Congress to resolve the shutdown.

Source

NPR

First reported

Air Traffic Controllers Face Challenges Amid Government Shutdown

• NPR

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Confirmed

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a reduction of flights by up to 10% at 40 major airports, starting with a 4% reduction implemented on Friday.

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The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is severely affecting air travel, prompting U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to warn of potential mandatory flight cuts of up to 20% if the shutdown continues.

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The FAA mandated a 4% reduction in flights at 40 major airports, set to rise to 10% by November 14.

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Air traffic controller absences have already caused significant delays at key airports, including Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Newark, resulting in over 5,300 flight delays.

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