Travelers facing historic wait times at U.S. airports may soon see relief. On Thursday, Donald Trump announced he is bypassing the ongoing congressional stalemate by signing an executive order to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents. The move comes as the partial government shutdown reaches its 41st day, a lapse that has left thousands of essential security workers without paychecks and caused staffing shortages nationwide.
Trump detailed his decision in a lengthy Truth Social post, placing the blame for the travel disruptions squarely on legislative opponents.
“The Radical Left Democrats, and their ‘Leader,’ Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, have made it very clear where they stand, and that is, ON THE SIDE OF CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIENS, AND NOT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. They are refusing to fund Immigration Enforcement unless the Republicans agree to their Open Border Policies, which will never, ever happen again. They almost destroyed our Country, allowing 25 Million People to enter from Prisons, Mental Institutions, and Insane Asylums, those that are Drug Dealers, and thousands of Murderers, many of whom killed more than one person. Because the Democrats have recklessly created a true National Crisis, I am using my authorities under the Law to protect our Great Country, as always will do!” Trump wrote.
The administration plans to tap into funds from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” to cover the payroll for TSA officers. White House officials have characterized the situation as a national emergency, comparing the intervention to previous measures used to ensure active-duty military members remained paid during funding gaps.
Rachel Cauley, Communications Director for the Office of Management and Budget, stated, “Not unlike actions taken during the first Democrat-shutdown (i.e. paying the troops), President Trump has determined that congressional Democrats have created an emergency situation that cannot be allowed to continue.”
The executive order specifically instructs the newly confirmed Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to facilitate the payments.
“Therefore, I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation, and to quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports. It is not an easy thing to do, but l am going to do it! I want to thank our hardworking TSA Agents and also, ICE, for the incredible help they have given us at the Airports. I Will not allow the Radical Left Democrats to hold our Country hostage any longer,” Trump added.
With nearly 11% of the TSA workforce missing scheduled shifts due to financial hardship, the administration is betting that this direct funding will stabilize airport security and reduce the “chaos” currently plaguing American transit hubs.
On Friday, the Senate approved the funding package ahead of Congress’ scheduled two-week recess. The agreement will fund the DHS subagencies affected by the lapse in funding, such as TSA, US Coast Guard, FEMA, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
