'Get back to work': Trump threatens 'true patriots' will replace air traffic controllers

Donald Trump has issued a clear message to air traffic controllers currently unpaid amid the government shutdown — "get back to work".

In a post made to his Truth Social account, the president made it clear that those who were not returning to work immediately would have their pay "substantially docked." Those who had not stopped working during what Trump dubbed the "Democrat Shutdown Hoax" were told they could receive up to $10,000 for their "distinguished service".

Trump wrote, "All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! 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.

"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. 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!"

"Trump continued, "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.

"The last 'Administration' wasted Billions of Dollars trying to fix antiquated 'junk.' They had no idea what they were doing! Again, to our great American Patriots, GOD BLESS YOU - I won’t be able to send your money fast enough! To all others, REPORT TO WORK IMMEDIATELY. GOD BLESS AMERICA! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP."

The Senate will reconvene later today to end the longest government shutdown in history. A 60-40 majority was reached earlier today after the Republicans gained eight Democrat votes.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy had previously warned the government shutdown could reduce flights "to a trickle". He told CNN yesterday, "You're going to see air travel be reduced to a trickle. Many of them are not going to be able to get on an airplane, because there are not going to be that many flights that fly if this thing doesn't open back up."