Trump Rejects TSA Fix, Worsens Airport Chaos

President's demands for unrelated legislation exacerbate travel delays as government shutdown continues

Mar. 24, 2026 at 8:04am

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President Donald Trump rejected a bipartisan plan to restart funding for the Transportation Security Administration, which has led to growing airport security lines due to the partial government shutdown. Instead, Trump demanded that Congress pass his SAVE America Act, which would make it harder for some Americans to vote, before ending the shutdown. The president also ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to be deployed to 13 airports, raising concerns about chaos and disruption.

Why it matters

Trump's actions have ensured that the Republican Party will be blamed for the ongoing airport problems, undermining their messaging ahead of the crucial midterm elections. Democrats had initially been at risk of taking the blame, but Trump's erratic and impulsive behavior has shifted the political dynamics.

The details

Senate Majority Leader John Thune presented Trump with a plan to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which would have restarted TSA employee salaries. However, Trump rejected this solution and instead demanded that Congress pass his SAVE America Act, which would make it harder for some Americans to vote. The president also ordered ICE agents to be deployed to 13 airports, despite concerns about their lack of training and the potential for chaos.

  • On March 22, Senate Majority Leader John Thune presented Trump with a plan to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security.
  • On March 22, Trump rejected Thune's plan and instead demanded that Congress pass his SAVE America Act.
  • On March 23, Trump told Republican lawmakers in Congress to "Don't make any deal on anything" before passing the SAVE America Act.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who rejected a bipartisan plan to restart funding for the Transportation Security Administration and instead demanded that Congress pass his SAVE America Act, which would make it harder for some Americans to vote.

John Thune

The Senate Majority Leader who presented Trump with a plan to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, excluding Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which would have restarted TSA employee salaries.

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What they’re saying

“Don't make any deal on anything”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“They will never be elected again!”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

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.