Airport congestion eases as TSA workers receive backpay but record DHS shutdown drags on – US politics live

TSA workers have received partial backpay as airport congestion eases, though a record Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues to disrupt federal operations. A union boss confirmed that workers have not yet received their full compensation despite the partial payments. Meanwhile, U.S. fuel prices have surged to nearly $4.02 per gallon—the highest level in four years—driven by Trump's military actions against Iran, which have rattled oil markets and added financial pressure to American consumers. The spike represents a dramatic climb from $2.98 per gallon just one month prior. Separately, allegations have emerged that a broker for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sought investments in major defense contractors before the Iran conflict began.