Trump Proposes Cutting 9,400 TSA Workers, $1.5 Billion from Budget

Former president says he would consider deploying National Guard to airports

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:13pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting of a TSA agent rushing through an airport, their movements repeated in overlapping geometric shapes and vibrant colors, conveying a sense of urgency and disruption in airport security.The proposed cuts to the TSA workforce and budget could disrupt airport operations, leading to calls for alternative security measures.Washington Today

The White House has proposed cutting over 9,400 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers and $1.5 billion from the agency's budget, according to a new report. Former President Trump also said he would consider deploying the National Guard to help at U.S. airports if he felt immigration agents were not enough.

Why it matters

The proposed cuts to the TSA workforce and budget could significantly impact airport security and operations, potentially leading to longer wait times and reduced screening capabilities. Trump's suggestion to use the National Guard at airports raises questions about the role of the military in domestic law enforcement and airport security.

The details

The White House's budget proposal calls for reducing the TSA's workforce by over 9,400 employees and cutting $1.5 billion from the agency's overall budget. This comes as the former president said he would consider deploying the National Guard to assist at U.S. airports if he felt the current immigration agents were not sufficient.

  • The White House budget proposal was released on April 6, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who proposed the TSA budget cuts and suggested deploying the National Guard to airports.

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What they’re saying

“I would consider bringing in the National Guard if I thought the immigration people weren't enough.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

The takeaway

The proposed cuts to the TSA workforce and budget, along with the suggestion to deploy the National Guard, highlight the ongoing debate around airport security and the balance between cost-cutting and maintaining effective screening procedures. These decisions could have significant impacts on travelers and the overall aviation industry.