November 11 2025, 08:15 
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg slammed the president after the president insulted and threatened air traffic controllers for not working harder during the shutdown, even though they’re not getting paid.
Buttigieg was responding to a screed Trump posted to social media denouncing American air traffic controllers. Trump was angry because the FAA was forced to reduce domestic flights last week to alleviate pressure at airports due to staffing shortages.
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“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,'” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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.”
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Air traffic controllers are essential workers and are supposed to work without pay during the shutdown. The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act says they will get back pay after the shutdown ends, but it has gone on for over a month, and many may not have the funds to wait longer. Also, there may be concerns about this administration’s adherence to the law when it comes to issuing payments in accordance with laws Congress passed.
Buttigieg, who used to run the Department of Transportation, which oversees the FAA, stood up for air traffic controllers.
“The President wouldn’t last five minutes as an air traffic controller,” Buttigieg pointed out about the president who has trouble staying awake during press conferences, “and after everything they’ve been through – and the way this administration has treated them from Day One – he has no business sh**ting on them now.”
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 shitting on them now. https://t.co/JLi1J26dSC
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) November 10, 2025
Airlines canceled 1,600 flights this morning and 1,000 scheduled for Tuesday. Moreover, many flights have been delayed at airports.
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