Trump to sidestep Congress, pay TSA workers

Axios
by Kathleen Hunter
March 26, 2026
1 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Trump will use executive order to pay TSA workers and end airport disruptions during DHS shutdown.

How This Affects You

Widespread airport delays and disruptions may decrease as TSA workers receive restored pay, reducing travel delays for Americans.

AI Summary

President Trump announced Thursday he will sign an executive order directing Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to pay TSA workers, bypassing Congress during the ongoing DHS shutdown now in its second month. The order aims to address airport delays and disruptions that have prompted staff departures and absences. Trump framed the move as necessary to counter what he called "Democrat Chaos at the Airports," though the action could also undermine Senate negotiations to resolve the shutdown.

What's Being Done

President Trump announced he will sign an executive order instructing Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin to immediately pay TSA agents.

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