Kimmel Suggests Closing Trump-Named Airport First Amid DHS Shutdown

The late-night host weighed in on the ongoing government shutdown's impact on TSA workers and airports.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:38am

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During his monologue on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', the comedian expressed empathy for the thousands of TSA workers who have had to work without pay due to the partial government shutdown. Kimmel highlighted that 50,000 airport security officers have been forced to work without pay, resulting in hundreds quitting and others calling in sick. He joked that if airports have to close due to the shutdown, 'it would be super great if the first one they close is the one they named after Trump in Palm Beach'.

Why it matters

The ongoing government shutdown has significantly impacted TSA operations at airports across the country, with many workers quitting or calling in sick due to lack of pay. This has raised concerns about potential airport closures that could disrupt travel, especially to popular spring break destinations.

The details

Kimmel noted that the Palm Beach International Airport is set to be renamed the President Donald J. Trump International Airport in July, pending approval from Florida's governor and the FAA. He suggested that if airports do have to close due to the shutdown, it would be 'fitting' for the Trump-named airport to be the first one to shut down.

  • The partial government shutdown has lasted for over a month.
  • The Palm Beach International Airport is set to be renamed the President Donald J. Trump International Airport in July 2026.

The players

Jimmy Kimmel

The host of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', a late-night talk show on ABC.

President Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, after whom the Palm Beach International Airport is set to be renamed.

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida, who must approve the renaming of the Palm Beach International Airport.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The federal agency that must also approve the renaming of the Palm Beach International Airport.

TSA workers

Approximately 50,000 airport security officers who have been forced to work without pay due to the government shutdown.

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What they’re saying

“I hope you like it here, because you might not be going home.”

— Jimmy Kimmel, Host, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'

“If they do have to close airports, it would be super great if the first one they close is the one they named after Trump in Palm Beach, right? It seems fitting.”

— Jimmy Kimmel, Host, 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'

What’s next

The renaming of the Palm Beach International Airport to the President Donald J. Trump International Airport is pending approval from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Federal Aviation Administration. If the shutdown continues, the FAA may have to consider closing airports, which could potentially impact the Trump-named airport first.

The takeaway

The ongoing government shutdown has had a significant impact on TSA operations at airports across the country, raising concerns about potential airport closures that could disrupt travel. Kimmel's suggestion to close the Trump-named airport first if closures are necessary highlights the political tensions surrounding the shutdown and the Trump administration.