Shutdown | Trump to sign order to pay airport security personnel

SighingCashier · 2026-03-27T04:18:06+00:00

President Trump of the United States will take executive action to pay 50,000 airport security personnel due to Congress's inability to reach a consensus, in order to alleviate disruptions in airport operations. However, it remains uncertain whether Trump legally has this authority. Due to the interruption of budget funds, nearly 500 airport security personnel have resigned, affecting flight operations. The deadlock between the Democratic and Republican parties over funding continues.

SighingCashier

2026-03-27 04:18:06

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As the U.S. Congress becomes deadlocked on how to end the partial government shutdown, President Trump has stated that he will take executive action to issue paychecks to 50,000 airport security personnel to alleviate disruptions at U.S. airports.

Trump indicated that he would sign an order directing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately pay security personnel of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to address this emergency situation, swiftly ending the chaos caused by Democrats at the airports, stating, “This is not easy, but I will make it happen!”

However, it remains unclear what legal authority Trump has to bypass Congress, which controls federal spending, to pay TSA personnel.

Due to bipartisan negotiations affecting government funding, DHS budget funds were cut off starting February 14, forcing the agency to delay employee paychecks. Nearly 500 airport security personnel have resigned, leading to staff shortages and longer wait times for airline passengers. The TSA previously reiterated that if personnel shortages worsen, the agency may be forced to close smaller airports.

Notwithstanding, White House border chief Homan and Transportation Secretary Chao earlier stated that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents could assist with airport security work to address TSA staffing shortages. However, this arrangement has been widely criticized, with the TSA union pointing out that ICE agents have not received specialized training and that it does not help resolve the issue of unpaid wages.

After two American citizens were killed by law enforcement earlier this year, Democrats have stalled related funding in an effort to push for changes to immigration enforcement policies. The Republicans have rejected a separate bill proposed by Democrats that aimed to provide funding for TSA and DHS divisions unrelated to immigration.

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