Disruptions in the American Skies: Trump Targets Air Traffic Controllers

Over 2,000 flights were cancelled in the United States on Monday, and Donald Trump threatened air traffic controllers who fail to report to work with salary cuts that would take effect after the budget impasse is resolved.

While a resolution seems to be emerging following an agreement in the Senate, the shutdown has now lasted more than 40 days, leaving over a million government workers—including air traffic controllers—without pay.

These controllers are experiencing increased absenteeism, and to prevent accidents, authorities have been asking airlines to cancel flights for several days, resulting in widespread disruptions.

"All air traffic controllers must return to work IMMEDIATELY!!! Anyone who does not will face substantial pay deductions," wrote the U.S. president on his Truth Social platform.

Trump mentioned a "$10,000 bonus" for each controller who remained on duty during the budget standoff, labeling those workers as "true patriots."

When later questioned by Fox News about where the money would come from, Trump claimed that "it didn't matter," asserting he would find it "somewhere, as always."

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) responded, stating that "the vast majority" of air traffic controllers "have continued to perform one of the most demanding and stressful jobs in the world, despite the lack of pay."

Earlier that day, in a press conference, the organization called on political leaders to end the shutdown.

"Enough is enough," stated NATCA president Nick Daniels, adding that air traffic controllers "should never be used as pawns in a political game."

He highlighted the human cost of the budget paralysis, asserting that the situation increasingly jeopardizes flight safety each day.

"For 41 days, air traffic controllers have faced financial uncertainty that creates stress, frustration, and pressure, preventing them from being 100% focused on their missions," lamented Daniels.

According to him, some controllers "don’t know how to pay for gas to get to work" or childcare services.

Daniels also reported that some air traffic controllers are beginning to take on side jobs to pay their bills, which adds to their fatigue.

The flight cancellations, requested by the public air regulator FAA, aim to reduce the number of aircraft for controllers to monitor, many of whom are forced to work "six days a week, 10 hours a day," according to NATCA.

On Monday, over 2,000 flights were cancelled in the U.S., and more than 7,000 experienced delays, according to FlightAware.

At Newark Airport, near New York, passengers were coping with cancellations and delays without blaming the air traffic controllers.

"It’s a shame for this country that these people are not being paid, and I think they are saints for continuing to work for so many days without pay," said Will Aston-Reese, a retiree waiting for a flight to Seattle at the other end of the country.

Angeline Mathews, a 21-year-old student, struggled to find an alternative to reach Louisiana but believes the Democrats are correct to stand up to the Republican majority.

"It negatively impacts people, but it’s not for nothing. Hopefully, it will lead to something positive," she stated to AFP.

2,000 kilometers to the south, in Miami, Will Roses hopes the political situation will soon be resolved "so we can move on."