The new secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, appeared to walk back an enticement to retire, saying F.A.A. safety workers were exempt from the offer for federal workers.

Democrats previously hit out at the president's federal hiring freeze for hindering the "number one safety issue" in aviation.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg took to social media to call out the Trump administration for trying to cut air traffic controller positions despite the shortage of air traffic controllers.

The Trump administration said on Sunday that federal employees involved in public safety positions, such as air traffic controllers, are exempt from a financial incentive to quit government jobs.

The FAA has said that all controllers have to meet tough testing and training standards and go through a lengthy certification process.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would work with Congress to ensure the speedy adoption of a new computerized air traffic control system after last week's collision of an Army helicopter and a commercial jet that killed 67 people.

President Donald Trump said he would speak to congressional leaders about legislation to create a US air traffic control system following a deadly crash at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, calling the current technology “obsolete.