Trump orders Air Traffic Controllers back to work 'NOW!!!'

President Donald Trump on Monday ordered air traffic controllers to return to work immediately or face a pay cut.

"All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!!" Trump declared. "Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially 'docked.'"

"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," he added. "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."

"You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country," he went on. "You will have a negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record. 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's remarks came as Republicans and Democrats reached an initial deal to end the ongoing government shutdown. The lapse is funding led to a number of air traffic delays and travel disruptions.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.