Trump Takes Action to Pay TSA Workers Amid Ongoing Budget Standoff

Fri Mar 27 2026 07:19:58 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a bid to alleviate the impacts of a lengthy funding impasse, President Trump announces plans to instruct the Homeland Security Secretary to ensure prompt payments for TSA agents while congressional negotiations continue.

President Trump has pledged to sign an order that will allow Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents to be paid amidst a government shutdown that has caused significant chaos at airports and financial strain for workers. As Senate negotiations seem to drag on, the urgency to address the funding for the Department of Homeland Security persists. TSA employee callouts are reportedly soaring, with many unable to report to work due to the financial strain. Trump's intervention with a new order comes as a response to mounting pressure and concerns regarding national security and travel access.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump stated he would sign an executive order directing the Homeland Security Secretary to ensure immediate payments to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents during an ongoing budget standoff that has led to significant airport disruptions and financial difficulties for TSA personnel.

The announcement, made via a social media post, underscores Trump's intent to swiftly restore order amid the 'Chaos at the Airports.' The pressure to resolve the funding deadlock—which has been ongoing for 42 days—has intensified as Senate negotiations continued into the night on a budget package that entails funding for various components of the Department of Homeland Security.

Initial discussions hinted that the administration might invoke a national emergency to facilitate TSA payroll, but a senior administration official indicated that instead, the funds would be accessed through Trump's 2025 tax bill.

As part of this ongoing saga, senators continued to work through the night to secure funding for additional critical department services, including FEMA and the Coast Guard, while Democrats have insisted on clearer accountability and restrictions on personnel involved in immigration enforcement before they consent to further funding.

“The president is making the right move,” commented Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., as he confirmed the decision to pay TSA agents. Meanwhile, staff shortages are becoming increasingly prevalent, with reports of over 40% callout rates and many TSA employees opting to leave during the ongoing funding crisis.

Reports from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston indicated that travelers are feeling the brunt of the government shutdown, with long lines and wait times going over 2½ hours, leading to missed flights.

While Everett Kelley, union president of the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed relief about the payment plan, he also stressed that a permanent resolution is crucial to prevent ongoing instability within the agency.

As Senate leadership continues to negotiate terms to break the impasse, the urgency for a swift conclusion remains paramount, with Trump warning of 'drastic measures' if an agreement is not reached soon.