Trump to ATCs: Show Up or Be Docked Pay

President says he is ‘not happy’ with controllers who have taken time off during the government shutdown.

Jack Daleo

Monday, November 10, 2025 at 03:34 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Some 13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay during the government shutdown, and many are taking leave. [Courtesy: National Air Traffic Controllers Association]

Key Takeaways:

President Trump threatened to substantially dock pay, deny severance, and negatively mark air traffic controllers (ATCs) who don't report to work during the government shutdown, while offering bonuses to those who do.
Essential ATCs are working without pay, leading to significant financial stress, an increase in retirements, and legitimate absences, exacerbating an existing severe staffing shortage across facilities.
These ATC staffing issues are causing widespread disruption to air travel, including major flight delays and cancellations, prompting airlines to cut flights and the FAA to order operational reductions at numerous airports.

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President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to “substantially” dock pay for air traffic controllers (ATCs) who do not show up to work during the federal government shutdown.

In a Truth Social post, Trump also said that ATCs who resign will receive “no payment or severance of any kind” and be “quickly replaced.” Controllers who have not taken time off, the president said, will be recommended for $10,000 bonuses.