Trump Orders DHS to Pay Employees During Shutdown

President's directive aims to provide relief for federal workers amid political standoff.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:41am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office desk or cubicle, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting deep shadows across the space, conveying a sense of solitude and uncertainty.The political standoff over the DHS shutdown casts a long shadow over the lives of federal workers, who face an uncertain future.Washington Today

In the midst of an unprecedented 49-day partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), President Trump has issued an executive order directing the DHS Secretary to use available funds to ensure employees receive their paychecks. This move is seen as a temporary fix to support public servants affected by the political gridlock, but it does not address the root causes of the shutdown.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown has left thousands of federal workers in limbo, either working without pay or facing furloughs. Trump's order aims to provide some relief, especially as TSA agents were already experiencing backlogs at airports due to unpaid work. However, this is a strategic move that shifts the burden onto DHS resources, potentially impacting the department's long-term operations. The shutdown is part of a broader pattern where shutdowns are used as political leverage, with both parties refusing to compromise.

The details

Trump's executive order, titled 'Liberating DHS from the Democrat-Caused Shutdown,' directs DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to use available funds to pay employees during the ongoing partial shutdown. This is reminiscent of a similar order the president issued for TSA agents. While the move provides temporary relief for DHS workers, it does not address the root causes of the shutdown, which stem from a political standoff between Democrats and Republicans over funding for the department and restrictions on ICE.

  • The DHS shutdown has lasted for 49 days as of April 13, 2026.
  • Trump issued the executive order on April 13, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who issued the executive order to ensure DHS employees get paid during the partial government shutdown.

Markwayne Mullin

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, who is tasked with implementing Trump's directive to use available funds to pay DHS employees.

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