Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg slammed the president after the president insulted and threatened air traffic controllers for not working harder during the shutdown, even though theyre not getting paid.Buttigieg was responding to a screed Trump posted to social media denouncing American air traffic controllers. Trump was angry because the FAA was forced to reduce domestic flights last week to alleviate pressure at airports due to staffing shortages. Related Pete Buttigieg leads in early state poll for 2028 Democratic primary All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesnt will be substantially docked,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didnt 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.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. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Air traffic controllers are essential workers and are supposed to work without pay during the shutdown. The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act says they will get back pay after the shutdown ends, but it has gone on for over a month, and many may not have the funds to wait longer. Also, there may be concerns about this administrations adherence to the law when it comes to issuing payments in accordance with laws Congress passed.Buttigieg, who used to run the Department of Transportation, which oversees the FAA, stood up for air traffic controllers.The President wouldnt last five minutes as an air traffic controller, Buttigieg pointed out about the president who has trouble staying awake during press conferences, and after everything theyve been through and the way this administration has treated them from Day One he has no business sh**ting on them now. The President wouldn't last five minutes as an air traffic controller, and after everything they've been through and the way this administration has treated them from Day One he has no business shitting on them now. https://t.co/JLi1J26dSC Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) November 10, 2025Airlines canceled 1,600 flights this morning and 1,000 scheduled for Tuesday. Moreover, many flights have been delayed at airports.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.