Costs are high nowadays. And every little bit helps.
Now the Trump administration is about to cut thousands of dollars in checks.
Trump Administration Awards $10K Bonuses to Dedicated Air Traffic Controllers
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford revealed Thursday that hundreds of essential air traffic controllers and technicians who stayed on duty throughout the recent government shutdown will receive substantial holiday bonuses. The move honors those who ensured uninterrupted aviation safety amid the prolonged funding lapse.
In a Department of Transportation statement, 776 workers were singled out for $10,000 awards in recognition of their “patriotic work to ensure the safety of the skies during the Democrats’ 44-day government shutdown.”
“These patriotic men and women never missed a beat and kept the flying public safe throughout the shutdown,” Duffy said in a statement. “Democrats may not care about their financial well-being, but President Trump does.”
The secretary continued: “This award is an acknowledgment of their dedication and a heartfelt appreciation for going above and beyond in service to the nation.”
Perfect-Attendance Requirement and Holiday Timing
Payments are reserved exclusively for personnel who maintained flawless attendance records during the shutdown, with checks scheduled to arrive no later than December 9—conveniently ahead of the Christmas season.
FAA chief Bedford praised the recipients’ commitment under pressure.
“I am profoundly proud and grateful for the air traffic personnel who worked during extraordinary operational challenges to keep the National Airspace System (NAS) running safely during the longest government shutdown,” Bedford said in a statement. “Their dedication represents the highest levels of public service.”
Trump Personally Champions “Great Patriots”
The initiative follows through on a direct pledge from President Trump, who last week spotlighted the idea 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,” Trump posted.
He contrasted that group with others, adding: “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.”
The bonuses mirror a similar Nov. 13 ceremony where Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem personally distributed $10,000 checks to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport who likewise worked without interruption during the shutdown.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for additional comment.
