Trump Orders DHS to Pay TSA Workers Amid Shutdown

President takes executive action to address staffing shortages at airports nationwide.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 10:04am

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President Donald Trump announced he will order the Department of Homeland Security to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, as a congressional dispute over DHS funding has forced agents to work without pay during the partial government shutdown, leading to hundreds of officers quitting and major travel disruptions.

Why it matters

The staffing shortages at TSA checkpoints due to the shutdown have caused hours-long delays at some of the nation's busiest airports, raising concerns about public safety and the ability of the agency to effectively screen passengers. Trump's executive action aims to provide a temporary solution, but a permanent legislative fix is still needed to avoid future shutdowns impacting critical homeland security functions.

The details

Nearly 500 TSA officers have quit since the start of the partial government shutdown in February, as the dispute in Congress over DHS funding has forced the agency's employees to work without pay. Trump said he is instructing DHS to 'immediately pay our TSA Agents' to address the 'Emergency Situation' at airports. It's unclear how long the funding will last or if Trump is tapping into previously approved DHS funds. Congressional leaders have been negotiating a proposal to resume funding for TSA and other DHS agencies while keeping some immigration enforcement funding on hold, but no deal has been reached.

  • The partial government shutdown began in February 2026.
  • Nearly 500 TSA officers have quit since the start of the shutdown.
  • On March 27, 2026, President Trump announced he will order DHS to pay TSA workers.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who announced the executive action to pay TSA workers.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader who called Trump's move a 'short-term solution'.

Bennie Thompson

The top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee who questioned how Trump plans to legally pay TSA officers.

Chris Sununu

The CEO of Airlines for America, an airline trade group, who praised the solution to pay TSA officers but called for a permanent legislative fix.

Chris Murphy

The senior Democratic senator on a homeland security appropriations panel who said progress was made in negotiations before Trump's announcement.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.