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President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing government shutdown from the White House in Washington, D.C., on November 10, 2025. During his speech, he emphasized the need for air traffic controllers to resume their duties amidst widespread flight cancellations caused by staffing shortages. Trump warned that any controllers not returning to work would face significant salary deductions, and he promised a $10,000 bonus to those who maintained their posts throughout the 41-day shutdown, while expressing openness to resignations from others.
“All Air Traffic Controllers must return to work immediately! Anyone who doesn’t will face serious deductions,” Trump posted on social media. “Report to work now!”
The shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, has left roughly 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA agents working without pay. Many have been absent, citing second jobs or childcare costs. FAA reports indicate that on any given day during the shutdown, between 20% and 40% of controllers at the nation’s 30 busiest airports have been absent.
Following Trump’s social media announcement, shares in major U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, and United, declined. Officials expressed uncertainty over how the White House plans to deny pay under existing union agreements once the government is reopened or how the president will fund the proposed bonuses.
Monday saw nearly 2,000 flight cancellations, with additional disruptions expected as the FAA ordered flight reductions of up to 10% at various airports by week’s end. Chicago’s winter storm further compounded travel delays. By 3 p.m. ET, FlightAware data showed approximately 5,825 delays and 2,950 cancellations on Monday, making it the worst day of flight disruption since October 1, when the shutdown began.
Over the weekend, staffing issues worsened, with the number of air traffic control centers experiencing shortages rising to 81—the highest level since October 1, according to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Despite Trump’s calls for controllers to return, some acknowledged appreciation for their dedication. Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, indicated that controllers would continue working during the shutdown and appreciated recognition.
Meanwhile, the Senate has passed a bill aimed at reopening the federal government. It remains uncertain when transportation officials like Duffy will lift flight restrictions. Airlines like Southwest and American have expressed frustration, noting disruptions affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers over the weekend. American’s COO called the situation “completely unacceptable.”
To address staffing shortages, the FAA has mandated reductions in daily flights at 40 major airports, a figure set to increase later in the week. Prior to the shutdown, the FAA was already about 3,500 controllers short of desired staffing levels, with many working mandatory overtime and extended hours. Efforts are underway to retain retiring controllers, expedite hiring, and overhaul the air traffic control system with a $12.5 billion investment.
Late Sunday, the FAA announced the suspension of private plane traffic at 12 airports, including Chicago O’Hare and Reagan Washington National, due to staffing shortages.
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