Here's some unexpected good news for federal workers: President Donald Trump is handing out $10,000 bonuses to over 776 air traffic controllers and technicians who kept showing up during the government shutdown.

Holiday Bonus Announcement

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy broke the news on X Thursday with a bit of seasonal flair. "Santa's coming to town a little early," Duffy posted, announcing that 776 workers would receive their $10,000 bonus checks in "early December."

The bonuses were floated earlier by Trump as a reward for workers who maintained perfect attendance during the shutdown. Duffy had previously supported the idea and promised to deliver 70% of backpay within 24-48 hours after the shutdown concluded.

Not everyone was thrilled with the approach. Biden-era Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized Trump for "picking a fight" with air traffic controllers and suggested he was using the issue to distract from rising health insurance costs.

Shutdown Background

The 42-day government shutdown finally ended last week when the House passed a bipartisan funding bill. The standoff centered on disagreements over extending enhanced tax credits that helped 20 million Americans afford health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.