Trump Signs Executive Action to Pay TSA Workers

Move comes after Congress fails to agree on DHS funding

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:38pm

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President Donald Trump signed an executive action on Friday that will pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees, after a deal to do the same stalled in Congress. The move comes as lawmakers have been unable to reach an agreement on funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Why it matters

The inability of Congress to fund the DHS has led to concerns about potential disruptions to airport security operations. By taking executive action, Trump is seeking to ensure TSA workers continue to be paid despite the political impasse.

The details

Trump's executive action will allow TSA employees to receive their paychecks, even as the broader DHS funding remains unresolved. This is seen as a stopgap measure to prevent potential staffing shortages at airport security checkpoints while lawmakers continue to negotiate.

  • President Trump signed the executive action on Friday, March 27, 2026.
  • Congress has been unable to agree on DHS funding, with a Senate bill stalling and House Republicans seeking to fund the department at current levels until May 22.

The players

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who signed the executive action to pay TSA workers.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security in the United States.

U.S. Congress

The legislative branch of the federal government, which has been unable to reach an agreement on funding the Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

The takeaway

This executive action by President Trump highlights the ongoing political gridlock in Washington and the potential impact it can have on critical government services like airport security. It remains to be seen whether this temporary measure will be enough to resolve the funding impasse or if further action will be required.