Trump Looking To Pay Air Traffic Controllers
White House scrambles to pay air traffic controllers and prevent flight chaos while protecting national safety
The Trump administration is working around the clock to keep America’s skies safe and air travel running smoothly as the Democrat-led government shutdown continues to strain federal operations.
Multiple sources told Politico that paying the nation’s air traffic controllers could cost more than $500 million per month, a staggering figure as the shutdown stretches on with no end in sight. Officials are reportedly exploring every legal and budgetary option to ensure controllers are compensated and that the flying public remains safe.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has confirmed “increased staffing shortages across the system,” according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In some areas, the FAA has had to slow incoming traffic to maintain safe operations — a move meant to protect passengers as some controllers work without pay.
Air traffic controllers received their final partial paycheck last week, leaving thousands of skilled workers uncertain when they will be paid again.
“We don’t want to get to that point again,” one source close to President Trump said, recalling the historic 2018–2019 shutdown, when widespread sickouts nearly grounded the nation’s air system.
Behind the scenes, White House budget officials are searching for emergency funding solutions. OMB Director Russell Vought told reporters the administration is “playing budgetary Twister” to locate a pot of money that can be legally redirected to support air traffic control operations.
“We don’t want air traffic control to just start staying home sick,” Vought warned, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The Trump administration has already ensured that U.S. military personnel remain fully paid, redirecting nearly $8 billion previously earmarked for Department of War research to protect America’s defenders from the shutdown’s impact.
Once the budget impasse is resolved, air traffic controllers will receive their full back pay, but until then, the White House remains focused on preventing delays, ensuring safety, and keeping America moving — despite Democrat obstruction.
