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 dock pay for absent air traffic controllers (ATCs), deny severance for resignations, and negatively mark those who complain during the federal shutdown, while promising bonuses for continued work.
Essential ATCs are working without pay, facing severe financial and mental stress that exacerbates a pre-existing 3,800-controller shortage and has led to a significant increase in retirements.
These ATC staffing shortages are causing widespread flight delays and cancellations, forcing airlines to reduce operations and impacting millions of passengers, reminiscent of disruptions that helped end a previous shutdown.

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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.