Copyright Newsweek
President Donald Trump could not last "five minutes" as a United States air traffic controller, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on Monday amid rising tensions during the federal government shutdown. Why It Matters The ongoing shutdown has sharply impacted the United States' aviation system, underscoring the critical roles played by air traffic controllers and the political discord over how to resolve the crisis. Trump's threat to absent controllers on Monday "to get back to work, NOW," coupled with his promise of bonuses for those who stayed on the job, has generated strong responses from political leaders and former officials. The standoff comes amid widespread flight delays and cancellations, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduces capacity in response to severe staffing shortages and mounting employee stress. What To Know In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that air traffic controllers who failed to follow his directive would have their pay “substantially 'docked.'” He further promised a $10,000 bonus for those he described as “GREAT PATRIOTS” who worked through the shutdown, which had by that point left thousands of flights canceled and caused disruption across major U.S. airports. Trump warned that air traffic controllers who “did nothing but complain, and took time off,” despite assurances of eventual back pay, should consider quitting and would carry a “negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record.” He stated in part that such workers would be "quickly replaced by true Patriots, who will do a better job on the Brand New State of the Art Equipment…we are in the process of ordering." Buttigieg responded to Trump's threat on X, saying, "The President wouldn't last five minutes as an air traffic controller, and after everything they've been through - and the way this administration has treated them from Day One - he has no business sh****** on them now." Airlines may cut flights by as much as 10 percent at the nation’s busiest airports, causing further turmoil for travelers. What People Are Saying Columbia University professor Robert Y. Shapiro told Newsweek on Monday: "The government shutdown has unnerved the President. In the case of air traffic controllers, since there has been a shortage of them, he should be focusing on carrots rather than sticks—incentives rather than punishment. Rewarding those who have reported to work is a very positive inducement. Threats are less useful if there is a long-term objective of having a sufficient number of controllers going forward." Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Monday on X: "I agree @POTUS. 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." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Monday on X: "The last 41 days have exposed the depths of Trump's cruelty. He shut the government down longer than any president in American history. He took innocent kids, veterans, and federal workers as political hostages—all because he refuses to fix the healthcare crisis." What Happens Next
