As the U.S. government shutdown stretches past 41 days, President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to air traffic controllers who have been calling in sick or missing work due to unpaid wages. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump declared that any controller who refuses to work will be “substantially docked,” adding, “I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU” The Punch World Socialist Web Site.
The shutdown has severely strained the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with over 2,300 flight cancellations and 8,700 delays reported in a single day The Punch. Controllers have been working six-day weeks, 10-hour shifts, and many have taken second jobs to survive. Despite this, Trump labeled absent workers as unpatriotic, while praising those who continued working as “true Patriots” and promising $10,000 bonuses for their loyalty POLITICO.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) responded by calling its members “unsung heroes” and demanded Congress end the shutdown immediately. The union emphasized that controllers are essential safety workers and should not be punished for circumstances beyond their control The Punch.
Trump’s threats have sparked backlash from labor advocates and political opponents, who argue that penalizing unpaid workers is both unethical and counterproductive. The FAA has begun reducing domestic flights at 40 major airports to ease pressure on the system POLITICO.
This standoff highlights the broader impact of the shutdown on critical infrastructure and raises questions about labor rights, executive overreach, and the resilience of public services under political strain.
