President Donald Trump criticized U.S. air traffic controllers who called out of work during the government shutdown and praised those who worked through the shutdown as "GREAT PATRIOTS." And then he suggested giving a $10,000 bonus to those who never called in sick, while warning those who wanted to quit would not receive severance.
Swirling against this backdrop is a shortage of air traffic controllers that caused flight delays and more as some called in sick because they were working without pay during the government shutdown and others said they had to work second jobs due to lack of pay.
The FAA announced flight reductions at busy airports due to staffing shortages, causing travel disruptions with thousands of cancellations and delays, prompting frustration among travelers.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commended those who worked during the shutdown and promised to work with Congress to reward their commitment, but he stopped short of secondingTrump's words. What the president said, exactly, on social media is this: "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."
"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," the president added.
Trump was pressed on a FOX News appearance about where the money would come from, and he answered, "I don't know, I'll get it from someplace."
"I always get the money from someplace regardless," he added, "It doesn't matter. We did a lot of – I do a lot of bonuses for people, because it's really something that – it's like the American way when you think about it," the president said.
A Senate bill that advanced this weekend would both reopen the government, funding it until Jan. 30, and provide back pay to federal workers impacted by the shutdown. But the Senate and House must still hold votes on the measure, and ironically, travel delays for lawmakers means it could take several more days to gather enough votes.