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 records for air traffic controllers (ATCs) who do not show up to work during the federal shutdown, while promising $10,000 bonuses for those who continue working.
Essential ATCs are working without pay, leading to severe financial strain, increased retirements, and individual absences, with their union emphasizing these are due to personal hardships rather than organized actions.
The resulting ATC staffing shortages are causing widespread disruptions in air travel, including a dramatic increase in flight delays and cancellations, and FAA-mandated reductions in operations at numerous major 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.