Trump Proposes Bonuses for Air Traffic Controllers Amid Government Shutdown
In light of the ongoing government shutdown, President Donald Trump has suggested that air traffic controllers who worked during this period should receive bonuses of $10,000. He praised those controllers as “great patriots” while criticizing others who chose not to work.
However, it’s important to note that Trump doesn’t have the authority to unilaterally grant bonuses. The U.S. Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 9, states that all federal spending—including bonuses—must be approved by Congress.
Federal pay, particularly for FAA employees, is dictated by statutes like Title V of the United States Code and collective bargaining agreements, not merely by presidential decree. While the president can advocate for such bonuses, any implementation will require Congressional approval, likely needing the involvement of the FAA or the Department of Transportation.
“All air traffic controllers must return to work now!!! Those who do not will effectively be ‘stranded.’ I recommend that these air traffic controllers, who are great patriots and did not take any time off due to the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ receive a bonus of $10,000 each for their service to our country,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday.
His remarks were made as Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted that major airports nationwide are facing reductions in air traffic due to a shortage of controllers, exacerbated by the ongoing shutdown. This disruption has already led to thousands of flight cancellations, raising worries that many families may miss holiday gatherings.
Trump has implied that air traffic controllers should have continued working without pay to counter what he describes as a “fake Democratic attack” linked to the shutdown.
“To those of you who complained and took time off even though we all knew you would be paid your full salary in the near future, I am not happy with you. You did not act proactively to help America against the false Democratic attacks whose sole purpose was to harm our country. You will have a negative mark on your record, at least in my mind,” Trump stated.
“If you want to retire in the near future, do so without hesitation, without pay or severance of any kind. You will be immediately replaced by true patriots who will do a better job with state-of-the-art equipment, the best equipment in the world, that is on order right now,” he added.
As the Senate moves forward with a stopgap bill aimed at reopening the government, Trump’s proposal highlights the strained relationship between federal workers and the administration amid the budget impasse. This spending bill, which would fund the government until January 30, still requires approval from the House before reaching Trump’s desk.
