U.S. President Donald Trump said he will order the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to “immediately” pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, as the prolonged funding lapse has been disrupting airport operations nationwide.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he would instruct Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to act, citing what he described as a “national crisis”. The move comes after TSA staff have gone more than a month without pay due to a partial shutdown of the DHS.
According to the BBC, the funding lapse began in February after Congress failed to agree a budget for the Department, triggering a partial government shutdown. TSA agents are classified as essential workers and are required to continue working without pay during such shutdowns.
The impact on airports has been significant. The BBC reported that more than 450 TSA staff have resigned since the shutdown began, contributing to severe staffing shortages. As a result, travellers are facing some of the longest security queues on record, with wait times exceeding four hours at some airports, including Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Nationwide, delays have intensified as fewer staff operate security checkpoints. Major hubs in New York, New Jersey and Illinois have also experienced disruption.
Separately, the U.S. Senate has passed a bill to fund most of the DHS, though it still requires approval from the House of Representatives and the president’s signature. Until funding is restored, TSA agents are unlikely to receive back pay, prolonging uncertainty for both workers and travellers.