Trump Signs Order to Pay TSA Employees After Congress Fails on DHS Funding

President takes action to ease long security lines at airports as shutdown continues

Mar. 28, 2026 at 5:03am

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President Donald Trump has signed an executive action to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees after a bid to end the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fell apart in Congress. Trump's action came after House Republicans rejected a Senate-passed bill to fund most of DHS.

Why it matters

The ongoing partial government shutdown has led to staffing shortages at TSA checkpoints, causing long security lines at many of the nation's top airports. Trump's order aims to alleviate this issue by ensuring TSA workers continue to receive paychecks during the impasse.

The details

In the executive memo, Trump authorized payments to TSA employees to prevent further disruptions to air travel. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said workers 'should begin seeing paychecks as early as Monday.' The move comes after House Republicans rejected a Senate-passed bill that would have funded most of DHS, leading to the continued shutdown.

  • Trump signed the executive action on Friday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

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

Markwayne Mullin

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who stated that TSA workers should begin receiving paychecks as early as Monday.

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What they’re saying

“'America's air travel system has reached its breaking point'”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.