President Donald Trump decided to vent his frustrations at federal air traffic controllers in a loud all-caps social media post during the government shutdown. The 79-year-old president called some workers βGREAT PATRIOTSβ and promised them $10,000. Others he accused of being disloyal and threatened with docking or firing. In other words, if you were unlucky enough to complain, Trump was ready to make you feel the full force of his keyboard fury.
The shutdown left thousands of federal employees without pay. Some air traffic controllers had to take temporary jobs just to survive. One delivered food for DoorDash, another drove for Uber, and some even went back to waiting tables. Meanwhile, Trump used the opportunity to write a post full of capital letters, threats, and praise for a few select workers. Empathy does not seem to be in his vocabulary.
βAll Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!!β he wrote after the Senate passed a short-term funding measure to keep the government running through January 30. Trump made it clear that if you did not follow orders, you were a bad person. If you did follow orders, you were a hero worthy of a bonus. For the rest, the message was simple: do not complain or else.
Trump also blamed Democrats, calling the shutdown a βDemocrat Shutdown Hoaxβ meant to hurt the country.
The promised bonuses may seem generous. $10,000 is significant, but the way Trump framed it reveals his priorities. Loyalty is rewarded, complaints punished. Leadership based on obedience overshadows the needs of those actually keeping the system running.
The shutdown caused real disruptions. FAA sources reported growing absences among controllers, leading to flight delays and strained airports. Thousands of workers were forced to take second jobs to cover basic expenses, yet Trump focused on promises of new equipment and public praise for a few, rather than addressing immediate struggles.
Those he singled out were lauded as patriots, while others faced threats and public criticism. The people affected were real Americans, missing paychecks and managing critical responsibilities under duress. The situation showed a leadership style that values appearance and loyalty over accountability and problem-solving.
Despite the pressures, federal employees adapted. They drove for rideshare services, delivered food, or worked extra shifts to maintain essential services and safety.
Featured image via Youtube screengrab
