Trump Vows to Pay All DHS Employees During Shutdown

President says he'll sign order to compensate federal workers as agency closure drags on.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:26pm

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A dimly lit, empty government office space with sparse furniture and a lone desk by a window, the scene bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of political uncertainty and the hardship faced by federal workers during the government shutdown.The prolonged government shutdown has left many federal workers, including those at the Department of Homeland Security, without paychecks, creating a sense of unease and isolation in the nation's capital.Washington Today

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he plans to sign an executive order to pay all employees at the Department of Homeland Security, despite the ongoing partial government shutdown that has left many federal workers without paychecks.

Why it matters

The partial government shutdown, now in its record-breaking fourth month, has caused significant hardship for federal employees, including those at DHS who have continued working without pay. Trump's order aims to provide financial relief to these public servants during the impasse.

The details

In a social media post, Trump said 'Help is on the way for our Brave and Patriotic Public Servants who have continued to work hard, and do their part to protect and defend our Country.' The president did not provide additional details on the timing or scope of the order.

  • The partial government shutdown began on December 22, 2025.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States.

Department of Homeland Security

A federal executive department responsible for public security, including border protection, immigration services, and disaster response.

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What they’re saying

“'Help is on the way for our Brave and Patriotic Public Servants who have continued to work hard, and do their part to protect and defend our Country.'”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The White House has not provided a timeline for when the president will sign the executive order to pay DHS employees.

The takeaway

This move by President Trump aims to provide financial relief to federal workers who have continued their duties without pay during the record-breaking government shutdown, underscoring the hardship faced by public servants caught in the political impasse.