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Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, ranking member of the Senate’s Aviation, Space and Innovation Subcommittee, on Monday criticized President Trump after he threatened to dock the pay of air traffic controllers who took off work amid staffing shortages and the government shutdown.
“It’s disgraceful and dangerous to threaten to punish controllers who put the safety of pilots and passengers first by refusing to direct air traffic when their performance would’ve been degraded by a diagnosed illness,” Duckworth said in a statement.
Earlier Monday, Mr. Trump wrote on Truth Social that “[a]ll Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked.'” The president said he would recommend a $10,000 bonus, per person, for those who didn’t take “ANY TIME OFF” during the shutdown.
“For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU,” Mr. Trump wrote.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy later said he agrees with the president.
“Air traffic controllers NEED to show up for work! To those who have worked throughout the shutdown — thank you for your patriotism and commitment to keeping our skies safe. I will work with Congress to reward your commitment,” Duffy said.
Duckworth voted no on the latest measure to end the government shutdown, splitting with eight moderate Senate Democrats who voted in favor of a bill that would extend government funding through January 2026. The agreement with Republicans would also ensure federal workers, including air traffic controllers, receive back pay since the shutdown began on Oct. 1.
