President Donald Trump announced plans to recommend $10,000 bonuses for air traffic controllers who continued working throughout the Democrat-led government shutdown, calling them “great patriots” who kept the country moving in difficult times.

The president made the announcement on Truth Social, urging controllers to stay at their posts as operations resume across the country.

“All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,’” Trump wrote.

He praised those who stayed on duty despite weeks of uncertainty.

“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,” Trump said.

Trump also had strong words for those who walked off the job or complained during the standoff.

“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,” he wrote. “You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country. You will have a negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record.”

He continued by warning that anyone unwilling to meet the standards of service should consider leaving.

“If you want to leave service in the near future, please do not hesitate to do so, with NO payment or severance of any kind! You will be quickly replaced by true Patriots, who will do a better job on the Brand New State of the Art Equipment, the best in the World, that we are in the process of ordering,” Trump wrote.

He criticized previous administrations for wasting taxpayer dollars on outdated systems and failing to modernize critical infrastructure.

“The last ‘Administration’ wasted Billions of Dollars trying to fix antiquated ‘junk.’ They had no idea what they were doing!” Trump added.

The president ended his message with a note of gratitude for those who remained loyal during the shutdown.

“Again, to our great American Patriots, GOD BLESS YOU – I won’t be able to send your money fast enough! To all others, REPORT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY. GOD BLESS AMERICA! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Trump’s comments came shortly after Senate leaders reached a bipartisan deal to reopen the government after forty days of gridlock. The shutdown had forced many federal operations to halt, including parts of the nation’s air travel system.

Officials warned that the ongoing shutdown had pushed air traffic operations to the brink, with thousands of flights delayed or canceled as staffing shortages worsened.

“The deal between Democratic and Republican senators — just the first step to halting the shutdown — came as authorities warned U.S. air travel could soon ‘slow to a trickle,’” a Breitbart report stated.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer voiced his frustration at the Democrats’ handling of the crisis, saying their strategy showed little concern for ordinary Americans.

“So this is affecting people and their lives, and Democrats don’t seem to care,” Emmer said. “They need to put Americans before their partisan politics.”

During the shutdown, the Federal Aviation Administration reduced capacity nationwide, causing widespread travel disruption.

“More than 1,000 flights were canceled and thousands more delayed Friday as part of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduction of air travel capacity brought on by the ongoing government shutdown,” another Breitbart report confirmed.

Trump’s proposal marks his latest effort to reward loyalty among federal workers who refused to bow to political chaos. He has repeatedly credited frontline workers for their discipline, patriotism, and commitment to public service even during political turmoil.

With the shutdown now over, his administration is focusing on restoring normal operations, improving equipment, and recognizing those who stayed on duty when others didn’t. For Trump, the message is clear — those who serve America faithfully will be rewarded, and those who don’t will be replaced.