TSA Workers May Get Paid, But Airport Woes Linger

Experts say security lines won't disappear overnight despite executive order to pay TSA agents immediately.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:30pm

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Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers could receive their first full paychecks in over six weeks as early as Monday after President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to pay them immediately. However, experts and labor leaders warn that the mammoth security lines at some U.S. airports would not disappear overnight.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown had left many TSA agents struggling to make ends meet, leading to increased absences and longer security lines at airports across the country. While the executive order aims to provide immediate relief, the underlying staffing and morale issues may take time to resolve.

The details

The executive order signed by President Trump on Friday directs the Homeland Security secretary to ensure that TSA officers receive their full paychecks as soon as possible, after going without pay for over six weeks during the partial government shutdown. However, experts caution that the security lines and travel disruptions will not disappear overnight, as the shutdown has taken a toll on TSA staffing and morale.

  • President Trump signed the executive order on Friday, March 22, 2026.
  • TSA officers could receive their first full paychecks as early as Monday, March 25, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who signed the executive order to immediately pay TSA agents.

Homeland Security Secretary

The cabinet-level official responsible for implementing the executive order and ensuring TSA agents receive their full paychecks.

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The takeaway

While the executive order provides immediate financial relief for TSA agents, the underlying staffing and morale issues caused by the partial government shutdown may take time to resolve, meaning that the long security lines and travel disruptions at airports could persist for the foreseeable future.