Trump Signs Order to Pay TSA Workers Amid Ongoing Budget Standoff

Fri Mar 27 2026 07:16:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

President Trump signs an order to promptly pay TSA workers while negotiations continue in the Senate to resolve a critical budget impasse that is causing significant disruptions at airports nationwide.

In response to a 42-day funding stalemate affecting the Department of Homeland Security, President Trump has announced an executive order to ensure Transportation Security Administration agents receive their pay. As delays and staffing shortages build at airports across the country, lawmakers continue negotiations for a broader budget deal to prevent further chaos. Pressure is mounting from both sides of the aisle as the impacts of the shutdown are felt by travelers and airport staff alike.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed an order directing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately compensate Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents. This decision comes amid a prolonged budget impasse that has disrupted operations at airports and imposed financial stress on workers.

In a social media announcement, Trump expressed his desire to swiftly put an end to the chaos at the airports. The ongoing 42-day standoff over funding for the Department of Homeland Security has led to overwhelming pressure to resolve the situation quickly.

While the White House discussed the possibility of declaring a national emergency to secure funds for TSA workers, Trump's order will utilize funds from his 2025 tax legislation, according to a senior administration official who requested anonymity.

Senators were working into the night crafting a funding package aimed at other parts of the Department, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Coast Guard. Resistance within the Democratic party persists, demanding restrictions on Homeland Security officers involved in immigration enforcement before they will approve funding.

Senator John Barrasso, the Senate GOP whip, commended Trump's action. The president is doing absolutely the right thing, he stated, referencing the urgent need for TSA workers' pay.

Ongoing Airport Woes

Travel delays have become rampant due to the funding deadlock, triggering warnings about potential airport closures as many TSA workers have stopped reporting for duty due to missed paychecks. Statistics show a 40% callout rate in several airports, with over 11% of TSA employees absent on one recent day alone, totaling more than 3,120 callouts.

Representatives from the American Federation of Government Employees maintained that while they appreciate that TSA workers will be compensated, Congress must act to pass a complete deal to fund the DHS and sustain essential services.

A Last-Ditch Offer

The impasse has intensified as Senate Majority Leader John Thune presented a last and final proposal to Democrats, although no details were released. Democrats argue that the GOP's efforts thus far do not adequately address concerns regarding immigration enforcement actions undertaken by federal agents.

Trump has threatened to take more drastic measures, hinting at potential deployment of National Guard forces to airports if the shutdown does not end soon. The imperative for a bipartisan compromise is clear as lawmakers grapple with various viewpoints stemming from both parties regarding immigration and budget priorities.