Trump Vows to Pay TSA Agents Amid Airport Chaos

Airline stocks spike as White House intervenes in funding standoff with Democrats

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:08am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

President Donald Trump said he will sign an executive order to direct the Homeland Security Secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, escalating White House intervention in a funding standoff that has snarled airport security lines during the spring break rush. Trump blamed Democrats, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for the 'chaos' at airports as the Department of Homeland Security shutdown stretched into its sixth week.

Why it matters

The ongoing government shutdown has taken a financial toll on TSA workers, with nearly 500 officers quitting and more than 3,000 scheduled employees missing work. This has led to mounting airport disorder and delays as the agency struggles to maintain security with limited staffing. Trump's move to unilaterally pay TSA agents is an attempt to address the crisis, but it remains to be seen if it will break the political impasse between Republicans and Democrats over DHS funding.

The details

Trump said he would sign an order instructing Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to immediately pay TSA agents in order to 'address this Emergency Situation, and to quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports.' The White House had been weighing unilateral action to pay TSA officers if Senate Democrats and Republicans could not quickly break the impasse over the DHS budget. Republicans and Democrats have each rejected the other side's latest proposals, leaving the shutdown unresolved after 41 days.

  • The Department of Homeland Security shutdown has stretched into its sixth week.
  • On Wednesday, more than 3,000 scheduled TSA employees missed work.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who is vowing to pay TSA agents to address the airport chaos caused by the ongoing government shutdown.

Markwayne Mullin

The current Secretary of Homeland Security who Trump says he will instruct to immediately pay TSA agents.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader whom Trump blamed for the 'chaos' at airports during the government shutdown.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Whip who immediately dismissed the Democrats' latest proposal as unacceptable.

John Kennedy

A Republican senator who, along with Ted Cruz, backed a proposal to fund TSA, the Coast Guard and other DHS operations while excluding ICE enforcement, which Trump rejected.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation, and to quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports.”

— Donald Trump

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.