Sean Duffy, the former reality TV host turned Secretary of Transportation, has openly threatened to fire air traffic controllers who are calling out sick during the ongoing government shutdown. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has already caused widespread delays and disruptions at airports across the United States.
Duffy Targets Sick Air Traffic Controllers
Speaking to Fox Business host Stuart Varney on Thursday, Duffy claimed that about 90% of air traffic controllers are showing up to work, while 10% are “lashing out” by calling in sick. He referred to these workers as “problem children” and said their absences are causing major disruptions in airport operations.
Duffy stated, “When you come to work, you get paid. If you don’t come to work, you don’t get paid. And so that’s the way we’re going to do it.” He emphasized that most controllers continue to work without pay, but a small fraction is creating significant problems.
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Duffy’s comments mark a sharp escalation in rhetoric from the Transportation Secretary. He suggested that any controller who refuses to work during the shutdown could face termination, signaling a tough stance against federal employees in critical roles.
Duffy Sparks Controversy with Political Claims
During his interview, Duffy shifted to political commentary and claimed that the controllers felt frustrated with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. He alleged that Democrats were prioritizing undocumented people and their health care over the controllers’ paychecks.
However, this claim misleads, as Congress is debating restoring funding for Medicaid, which President Trump’s earlier legislation had cut. The funding would affect millions of Americans, including 1.4 million legal immigrants who have lost Medicaid coverage, but it is unrelated to undocumented immigrants. Multiple reputable media outlets have debunked the assertion that Democrats are prioritizing undocumented people over federal workers’ pay.
Despite these facts, Duffy continued to tie the workers’ sick calls to political frustration. He framed the situation as a partisan conflict, linking air traffic controller absences to Democrats’ health care policies.
Federal Workers Face Uncertainty
The government shutdown has left federal workers in a state of uncertainty. While the government generally schedules employees to receive pay once it reopens, delays and threats from leadership have made workers fearful. President Trump suggested that furloughed employees might not receive pay when the government resumes operations, which contradicts laws Congress enacted in 2019 during his first term.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune addressed the issue in an interview with ABC News, stating that Congress will ensure all furloughed workers eventually receive pay. However, statements from both Trump and Duffy have increased unease among federal staff.
Duffy praised the majority of controllers, calling them “amazing, beautiful, wonderful American patriots” who continue to show up despite the absence of timely paychecks. He acknowledged that these dedicated workers are the backbone of air traffic control, keeping flights operational under challenging circumstances.
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However, the Transportation Secretary reiterated that any repeated absences from the small minority of workers could result in firing, underscoring a strict approach during the shutdown. Duffy’s comments come amid reports of delays and disruptions at airports nationwide, highlighting the critical role of air traffic controllers in maintaining safe and efficient air travel.
The situation reflects growing tensions within federal agencies, where essential workers continue their duties without pay, while leadership threatens punitive measures for those expressing frustration through sick calls. Airports across the country continue to experience longer wait times and scheduling difficulties as the shutdown persists.
