Trump Vows to Sign Order Paying TSA Agents

Former president says he'll use emergency powers to address staffing shortages at airports.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former President Donald Trump announced that he plans to sign an executive order instructing the Department of Homeland Security to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, citing an "emergency situation" at airports due to staffing shortages. Trump said he will not "allow the Radical Left Democrats to hold our Country hostage any longer" over the funding dispute.

Why it matters

The move comes as TSA is facing significant staffing challenges, with up to 40% of officers calling out sick at some of the hardest-hit airports. This has led to historic security line delays, raising concerns about public safety and the ability of the agency to effectively screen passengers and luggage.

The details

Trump said he will use his presidential authorities to bypass Congress and direct funding to TSA, despite legal questions about whether he can unilaterally allocate federal funds without legislative approval. Democrats have resisted providing additional funding to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees both TSA and the controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

  • On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Trump posted his plan on Truth Social.
  • On Thursday, March 26, 2026, Trump announced he will sign the executive order.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who plans to sign an executive order to pay TSA agents.

Markwayne Mullin

The current Secretary of Homeland Security who will be instructed by Trump's order to pay the TSA agents.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

The federal agency responsible for airport security screening that is facing significant staffing shortages.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It is not an easy thing to do, but I am going to do it!”

— Donald Trump

“I want to thank our hardworking TSA Agents and also, ICE, for the incredible help they have given us at the Airports. I will not allow the Radical Left Democrats to hold our Country hostage any longer.”

— Donald Trump

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether Trump will follow through on his promise and how the executive order will be implemented, given potential legal challenges over the president's authority to unilaterally allocate federal funds.

The takeaway

This move highlights the ongoing political tensions over immigration enforcement and federal agency funding, with Trump seeking to bypass Congress to address the TSA staffing crisis. It underscores the broader dysfunction in Washington and the growing use of emergency powers to sidestep the legislative process.