Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he will sign an order to ensure airport security workers are paid, as travellers across the United States face hours-long queues during an ongoing partial government shutdown.
In a social media post, Trump said he had instructed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to immediately pay our (Transportation Security Administration) TSA Agents to address what he described as an emergency. However, he did not provide details on how such payments would be authorised.
The crisis stems from a funding lapse that has left the DHS, which oversees the Transportation Security Administration, without budget approval since February, forcing thousands of essential workers to continue working without pay.
🚨 While Democrats continue to stand on the side of criminal illegal aliens, President Trump is signing an order instructing @SecMullinDHS to immediately pay our TSA Agents and to quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports. https://t.co/pHDnUTf6oR pic.twitter.com/MHg2wEUI8d
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 27, 2026
Unpaid workers and rising pressure
TSA agents are classified as essential personnel, meaning they must continue working during a shutdown even if their salaries are delayed. Their pay depends on congressional appropriations tied to a broader DHS funding agreement, which lawmakers have failed to pass.
The political deadlock centres on disagreements over reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with Democrats refusing to approve funding without changes to the agency.
The impact on airport operations has been severe. More than 450 TSA officers have reportedly quit since the shutdown began, reducing the already strained workforce of roughly 50,000 agents.
Record wait times across major airports
Travellers are now facing some of the longest security wait times in the TSA’s 24-year history. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, delays have exceeded four hours, with queues stretching into parking areas.
At one point, nearly 40 percent of TSA staff at the Houston airport failed to report for duty, the highest absence rate recorded nationwide. Airport officials say only one-third to half of the security checkpoints are currently operational.
Major hubs in New York City, New Jersey and Illinois are also experiencing significant disruptions, with passengers reporting confusion, overcrowding and extended delays.
Legal uncertainty over emergency pay
While Trump has pledged immediate action, legal experts have raised doubts about whether the White House can authorise payments without congressional approval.
Under the Antideficiency Act, federal agencies are prohibited from spending funds that have not been appropriated by Congress. Analysts warn that any attempt to bypass this could face court challenges.
Some reports suggest the administration could explore emergency powers under the National Emergencies Act to temporarily free up funds, though this approach remains uncertain.
ICE deployment and possible military support
To ease the strain, the administration has deployed hundreds of ICE officers to assist at 14 major airports, including those in Atlanta and Houston. Unlike TSA staff, ICE agents are still being paid, as their funding comes from a separate budget approved last year.
Trump has praised ICE’s role, calling their work at airports unbelievable, and has indicated that the National Guard could also be deployed if needed.
When will the crisis end
TSA agents are expected to receive back pay once the government reopens and DHS funding is restored. However, with no agreement in sight in Washington, uncertainty remains over how long the disruption will continue.
Until then, passengers across the US are likely to face continued delays, reduced staffing and mounting travel frustrations.
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