In late 2018–early 2019, a 35-day U.S. government shutdown occurred over funding disputes for border security. President Trump labeled it the “Democrat Shutdown Hoax,” blaming Democrats for refusing to fund the wall. During this period, about 13,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic controllers were deemed “essential” and required to work without pay, ensuring aviation safety amid rising tensions. The FAA faced chronic staffing shortages (already down 1,000–2,000 controllers), and controllers endured six-day workweeks with 10-hour shifts. Many reported severe financial strain, with some taking second jobs or visiting food banks, yet most showed up daily to prevent widespread flight disruptions.
Trump’s Recent Proposal (November 2025)
On November 10, 2025—amid a new, record-breaking 41-day shutdown (the longest in U.S. history) over similar partisan gridlock—Trump reiterated his 2018 praise via a Truth Social post. He specifically highlighted controllers from the prior shutdown who “never missed a day,” calling them “GREAT PATRIOTS” for enduring the “hoax” unpaid. Trump announced he would recommend a $10,000 bonus per person for “distinguished service to our Country,” emphasizing it as a commendation for loyalty.
- Key Quote from Trump: “For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country.”
- Implementation Details: Trump vowed to “find the money” from unspecified sources, stating in an interview, “I don’t know. I’ll get it from someplace.” This echoes his first-term style but faces hurdles: bonuses would require congressional approval or executive action, potentially via FAA budgets or tariffs. No timeline was given, but backpay for all federal workers (including controllers) is guaranteed post-shutdown under the bipartisan deal passed by Senate Democrats and Republicans on November 10, reopening government until January 2026.
Context of the New Shutdown’s Impact
The 2025 shutdown, starting October 1, exacerbated FAA woes: controllers received $0 paychecks on October 28 and November 11. Absenteeism spiked (e.g., sick calls), leading to:
- Over 4,500 flight cancellations and 18,000 delays in one weekend alone.
- FAA-mandated 10% flight reductions at 40 major airports (e.g., Atlanta, LAX, JFK) to combat fatigue.
- Union head Nick Daniels called controllers “political pawns,” noting 91% of facilities were understaffed pre-shutdown, with training delays worsening the crisis.
Trump’s post also criticized absentees: “I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU… You will have a negative mark… If you want to leave service… do not hesitate to do so, with NO payment.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed support, urging controllers to “show up” and praising “patriots” who did.
Reactions and Broader Implications
- Support: Conservative outlets and Trump allies hailed it as rewarding “true Patriots,” tying it to aviation modernization (e.g., new equipment). X users shared clips of Trump promising the funds “regardless.”
- Criticism: Unions decried it as divisive; former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg quipped Trump “wouldn’t last five minutes” in the role. Democrats blamed the shutdown on GOP intransigence, while airlines (e.g., American) reported thousands of disruptions.
- Potential Outcomes: If approved, the bonus could affect hundreds of 2018–2019 holdouts, boosting morale but highlighting systemic issues like retirement waves and hiring lags. It aligns with Trump’s “America First” ethos but risks legal challenges over “docking” threats.
This gesture underscores Trump’s narrative of loyalty amid chaos, though delivery depends on post-shutdown politics. For updates, monitor FAA announcements or congressional funding bills.