Trump Moves to Pay TSA Workers Amid Budget Negotiations

Fri Mar 27 2026 06:10:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Facing extreme delays at airports due to a funding standoff, President Trump announces an order to provide immediate payment to TSA agents, as Senate negotiations continue.

In an effort to alleviate the chaos at airports resulting from a budget impasse, President Trump is set to sign an order that will allow TSA workers to be paid from a 2025 tax bill. Senators are in negotiations to resolve the standoff affecting Homeland Security funding. The shutdown has led to significant delays at airports, with over 11% of TSA employees missing work. Lawmakers face pressures to reach a deal that includes funding for various departments, while addressing concerns around immigration enforcement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced plans to sign an executive order that would instruct the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents. This comes as negotiations in the Senate persist to resolve a budget standoff that has significantly impacted airport operations and left TSA workers without paychecks.

Trump revealed his decision on social media, emphasizing the urgency to halt the ‘Chaos at the Airports.’ With the budget impasse entering its 42nd day, Senate leaders and the White House are scrambling to fill the funding gap that has left TSA workers unable to receive their salaries.

Instead of declaring a national emergency to resolve the issue, the order will leverage funds from Trump's 2025 tax bill to ensure TSA agents are compensated, according to a senior administration official who spoke anonymously.

Simultaneously, Senate negotiations continued through the night on a funding package aimed at covering other key areas of the Department of Homeland Security, including FEMA and the Coast Guard. However, Democrats have demanded adjustments regarding the involvement of Homeland Security officers in immigration enforcement actions before they agree to the funding measures.

“The president is doing absolutely the right thing,” stated Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., after discussions with Trump. “The TSA agents are going to be paid,” he added.

Airport Struggles Persist

The ongoing funding shutdown has caused significant disruptions, resulting in travel delays and warnings of possible airport closures as TSA workers report sick, unwilling to work without pay. Reports indicate that multiple airports are experiencing callout rates higher than 40%, with nearly 500 TSA officers quitting amidst the shutdown. Additionally, over 3,120 TSA employees were reported absent on a single day last week.

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed gratitude for the forthcoming payments to TSA personnel but urged Congress to pass comprehensive legislation that funds DHS and all its workers adequately.

At Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport, traveler Melissa Gates described a harrowing experience, waiting over 2½ hours just to reach the security checkpoint, ultimately missing her flight to Louisiana.

A Potential Resolution?

Earlier in the week, Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced a “last and final” offer to Democrats in negotiations, although he refrained from disclosing specific details. The process continues to face hurdles as senators deliberate over the terms.

Trump has hinted at drastic measures to resolve the situation, including sending the National Guard to assist at airports if the current impasse persists. Meanwhile, lawmakers aim to navigate a path towards a compromise that accommodates the diverse range of views within Congress, particularly regarding immigration reform measures.