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

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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 and impose negative marks on air traffic controllers (ATCs) who miss work during the federal government shutdown, while promising $10,000 bonuses for those who continue to show up.
Essential ATCs are working without pay, leading to significant financial hardship, increased sick leave, and a surge in retirements amidst an existing shortage of nearly 3,800 controllers.
These ATC staffing issues are causing severe disruptions across the national airspace, resulting in widespread flight delays, cancellations, and mandated reductions in operations at numerous airports, impacting millions of passengers and airlines.

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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.