Trump Signs Order to Pay TSA Agents Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown

Fri Mar 27 2026 07:15:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In response to increasing airport chaos and TSA worker hardships due to a prolonged government shutdown, President Trump has decided to sign an order to pay TSA agents using funds from past tax legislation. As negotiations continue in Congress, the airport situation remains critical.

President Trump announced that he would sign an order to ensure Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents receive their pay amid a 42-day government shutdown that has severely impacted airport operations. The decision came as Congress remained locked in budget negotiations. TSA workers have experienced significant hardships, with callout rates increasing dramatically, leading to lengthy airport delays and frustrations for travelers across the country.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has announced plans to sign an order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay TSA agents amid a budget impasse that has caused significant airport disruptions and financial hardships for employees. Trump expressed his decision through a social media post, emphasizing the need to quickly address the 'chaos at the airports.'

With pressure increasing during the 42-day stalemate over DHS funding, Congress remained engaged in last-minute negotiations to avoid further delay of TSA workers' paychecks. Sources say the administration’s plan to pay TSA personnel will utilize funding from Trump's 2025 tax bill, rather than declaring a national emergency, which presented political and legal complications.

Senators worked overnight in an attempt to reach a bipartisan compromise that would also fund various critical components of the Department of Homeland Security, including FEMA and the Coast Guard. However, Democratic leaders are pushing for new restraints on immigration enforcement measures before agreeing to additional funding.

'The president is doing absolutely the right thing,' said Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, following discussions with Trump. 'The TSA agents are going to be paid.'

Airport Lines Grow as TSA Workers Endure Hardships

The ongoing funding hiatus has led to extensive travel delays and warnings of possible airport shutdowns, as a substantial number of TSA employees are absent due to financial instability. Reports indicate that multiple airports are suffering from callout rates exceeding 40%, and TSA has seen nearly 500 of its approximately 50,000 officers resign since the budget crisis began.

Union president Everett Kelley noted that while the TSA workers would be compensated, comprehensive solutions must include a deal to fund DHS and secure the positions of all employees. This sentiment was echoed by travelers facing excessive security checkpoint wait times; one passenger at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport mentioned enduring a two-and-a-half hour wait without reaching the security line.

A ‘Last and Final’ Offer on the Table

Senate Majority Leader John Thune revealed that he had made a 'last and final' proposal to Democrats, although specifics on the framework were not disclosed. Democrats have asserted that GOP proposals do not sufficiently address necessary reforms for immigration enforcement practices following several recent incidents.

Trump, meanwhile, has signaled he is prepared to take further measures to alleviate airport crises, hinting at possible deployment of the National Guard to assist TSA operations if the standoff continues.

As lawmakers from both parties remain under pressure, any potential deal will require extensive compromises, particularly as traditional supporters of immigration enforcement express dissent toward the current proposals, emphasizing the need for full funding of DHS operations.