Trump admin gives $10k bonuses to air traffic controllers with perfect attendance during government shutdown
In a recent announcement, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford revealed that 776 air traffic controllers and technicians who worked through the recent government shutdown will receive bonus checks of $10,000 each. This decision highlights the critical role these professionals played in maintaining the safety of air travel during a period when many federal employees faced uncertainty and financial strain. The Department of Transportation (DOT) emphasized that these bonuses are a recognition of the workers’ dedication and commitment to public service, particularly during the 44-day government shutdown that was primarily attributed to political disagreements among lawmakers.
Duffy commended the air traffic personnel for their unwavering commitment, stating, “These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown.” The bonuses are specifically earmarked for those who maintained perfect attendance during this challenging time, with payments expected to be distributed by December 9, just in time for the holiday season. This initiative aligns with President Donald Trump’s earlier remarks, in which he expressed his intention to reward those who remained on the job despite the shutdown, referring to them as “GREAT PATRIOTS.” Trump’s comments underscored a broader narrative about the importance of recognizing and compensating federal employees who continue to perform their duties under difficult circumstances.
The announcement also follows a similar initiative by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who distributed $10,000 bonuses to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport for their work during the shutdown. This pattern of rewarding federal employees who demonstrated commitment during the shutdown reflects an effort to acknowledge the sacrifices made by those in essential roles while also addressing the broader implications of government shutdowns on public services. As discussions continue regarding government funding and employee compensation, the recognition of air traffic controllers and TSA agents serves as a reminder of the critical services provided by these workers and the importance of supporting them in times of national crisis.
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford announced Thursday that hundreds of air traffic controllers and technicians who worked during the
government shutdown
will receive bonus checks.
The
Department of Transportation
(DOT) said in a statement that 776 air traffic controllers and technicians will be awarded $10,000 for their “patriotic work to ensure the safety of the skies during the Democrats’ 44-day government shutdown.”
“These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown,” Duffy said in a statement. “Democrats may not care about their financial well-being, but President Trump does.”
The secretary added, “This award is an acknowledgment of their dedication and a heartfelt appreciation for going above and beyond in service to the nation.”
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DOT said checks would only be sent to workers who maintained perfect attendance during the recent shutdown and that the payments should arrive by Dec. 9, in time for the holidays.
“I am profoundly proud and grateful for the air traffic personnel who worked during extraordinary operational challenges to keep the National Airspace System (NAS) running safely during the longest government shutdown,” Bedford said in a statement. “Their dedication represents the highest levels of public service.”
The announcement came after President
Donald Trump
previously floated the idea of rewarding controllers who remained on the job, writing in a post on Truth Social last week, “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.”
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“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,” Trump added.
On Nov. 13, Homeland Security Secretary
Kristi Noem
handed out $10,000 bonus checks to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport who continued working during the shutdown.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment.
