Trump says he's 'not happy' with air traffic controllers who wouldn't work without pay during shutdown

The president, whose staff explored ways to skirt a law requiring backpay for federal workers after the shutdown ends, insisted "they all knew the money is coming."

President Donald Trump on Monday reiterated criticism of air traffic controllers who have been absent during parts of the record-long government shutdown, when they’re required to work without pay.

During a Fox News interview, Trump discussed the employees who in some cases have had to take on second jobs to pay their bills amid a funding lapse that will hit the six-week mark on Tuesday.

“You know, a lot of people who showed up also had a second job. They took a second job temporarily. But they all know the money’s coming, and the money was coming," Trump told host Laura Ingraham.

Air traffic controllers are classified as essential government workers, meaning they must show up for work during a shutdown, even though they're not getting paid. Members of the military, who are also essential workers, have received paychecks during the funding lapse.

Trump earlier Monday threatened to dock the pay of those who didn’t report to work, while saying that he would recommend $10,000 bonuses for those who hadn’t been absent during the shutdown.