The former Biden official mocks Trump during the shutdown crisis — but Americans remember who caused the last airport meltdown.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg took a swipe at President Donald Trump on Monday, sneering that Trump “wouldn’t last five minutes” as an air traffic controller. His comments came as Trump’s administration pushed to restore order during the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has hit the nation’s aviation system hard.
Buttigieg’s insult sparked immediate backlash from conservatives and aviation workers alike — many calling it disrespectful, especially given Buttigieg’s own track record of airline chaos and delayed flights during the Biden years.
President Trump, who has made keeping America running his priority, had earlier urged air traffic controllers to “get back to work, NOW.” In a Truth Social post, he warned that those refusing to show up would see their pay “substantially docked,” while those who continued working would receive a $10,000 bonus for their loyalty and patriotism.
“We’re rewarding the GREAT PATRIOTS who keep America’s skies safe,” Trump wrote. “Anyone who sits home and complains will be replaced by true patriots ready to do the job right.”
Buttigieg fired back on X, saying, “The President wouldn’t last five minutes as an air traffic controller… he has no business trashing them now.”
Critics were quick to point out that Buttigieg himself oversaw historic flight delays, canceled routes, and stranded travelers during his time in the Biden administration — failures that cost taxpayers millions.
“Coming from the man who turned air travel into a national embarrassment, that’s rich,” one conservative commentator posted.
Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy voiced support for Trump, posting on X:
“I agree @POTUS. Air traffic controllers NEED to show up for work! To those who have worked throughout the shutdown — thank you for your patriotism and commitment to keeping our skies safe.”
Even as Senate Democrats like Chuck Schumer attacked Trump for being “cruel,” Americans across the country are siding with the President’s tough approach. Polls show growing frustration with federal workers walking off the job while millions of families face travel chaos and rising costs.
A Senate deal to end the shutdown is reportedly close, but Trump remains steadfast: “We’ll reward hard work, not complaints.”