White House Orders Homeland Security Shutdown

Funding lapse triggers temporary closure of federal agency

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The White House has directed the Department of Homeland Security to commence a temporary shutdown after Congress failed to renew the agency's funding before the current budget expired.

Why it matters

The shutdown of Homeland Security could disrupt critical national security operations and leave the country vulnerable, raising concerns about political gridlock in Washington impacting public safety.

The details

The White House order came after Congress was unable to pass a new funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security before the previous appropriations lapsed. This will force the agency to furlough non-essential personnel and suspend many of its functions until a new budget is approved.

  • The White House directive was issued on February 14, 2026.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency responsible for protecting the United States from terrorism and other security threats.

Congress

The legislative branch of the U.S. federal government, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives, which is responsible for passing appropriations bills to fund government agencies.

White House

The executive office of the President of the United States, which issued the directive to shut down the Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“This is an unacceptable situation that puts our national security at risk. Congress must act immediately to pass a new funding bill for Homeland Security.”

— Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary (Pittsburgh Tribune Review)

What’s next

Congress is expected to hold emergency sessions over the next few days in an attempt to pass a new appropriations bill to restore funding for the Department of Homeland Security and end the temporary shutdown.

The takeaway

The lapse in funding for the Department of Homeland Security highlights the ongoing partisan gridlock in Washington and the potential consequences for national security when political disagreements disrupt the basic functioning of the federal government.