Dem Rep. Hopes Trump Feels Pressure as Spring Break Travelers Suffer

Walkinshaw says Democrats rejected White House offer on DHS shutdown, warns of long TSA lines

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:21pm

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In an interview on CNN's 'The Lead,' Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA) said that Democrats have rejected the White House's offer on the DHS shutdown, and that people will face 'four-hour waits at TSA lines because of Donald Trump and the Republicans' shutdown.' Walkinshaw expressed hope that as spring break travel season approaches, President Trump will 'start to feel a lot of pressure' which could 'create a breakthrough for a deal'.

Why it matters

The ongoing DHS shutdown has significant implications for air travel, with the potential for long TSA lines that could disrupt spring break plans for many Americans. Both parties are digging in, raising the stakes for a resolution that avoids further disruption to the public.

The details

Walkinshaw said the White House had made an offer to Democrats, which they rejected. He warned that as spring break approaches, Americans will face '$4-a-gallon gas prices because of Donald Trump's war in Iran and four-hour waits at TSA lines because of Donald Trump and the Republicans' shutdown.' Walkinshaw expressed hope that the pressure on Trump from frustrated spring break travelers will 'create a breakthrough for a deal'.

  • As the spring break travel season approaches in the coming weeks

The players

Rep. James Walkinshaw

A Democratic Congressman from Virginia who was interviewed on CNN's 'The Lead'.

President Donald Trump

The President whose policies and the ongoing DHS shutdown are cited as contributing to the potential travel disruptions.

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What they’re saying

“Americans are going to be staring down the face of $4-a-gallon gas prices because of Donald Trump's war in Iran and four-hour waits at TSA lines because of Donald Trump and the Republicans' shutdown.”

— Rep. James Walkinshaw, Congressman

“I think the President is going to start to feel a lot of pressure as we head into that spring break travel season. I hope that will help break through — create a breakthrough for a deal.”

— Rep. James Walkinshaw, Congressman

What’s next

As the spring break travel season approaches in the coming weeks, the pressure on President Trump and Congressional leaders to reach a deal and avoid further disruption to air travel is expected to intensify.

The takeaway

The ongoing DHS shutdown has significant implications for air travel, with the potential for long TSA lines that could disrupt spring break plans for many Americans. Both parties are digging in, raising the stakes for a resolution that avoids further disruption to the public, and the approaching spring break travel season may provide the pressure needed to drive a breakthrough.