Trump Demands Controllers Return Amid Shutdown Disruptions

President Donald Trump demanded on Monday that air traffic controllers return to work immediately during the ongoing government shutdown, threatening to withhold pay from those who have been absent while proposing bonuses for those who have reported for duty.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that controllers who fail to resume work would face substantial pay deductions. He also expressed support for those who have continued working, recommending a $10,000 bonus per person for their service. Trump added that he viewed absences negatively and welcomed resignations from those who have not shown up, noting they would receive no payment or severance and could be replaced quickly. The White House has not clarified how such docking or bonuses would be implemented under the controllers' union contract or federal funding rules.

The partial government shutdown, which began on October 1 and marks the longest in U.S. history at 41 days, has left approximately 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 Transportation Security Administration agents working without pay. Essential employees like controllers are required to report for duty even during funding lapses, but absences have...