Trump Urges Unpaid TSA Officers to Continue Working as Homeland Security Shutdown Drags On
President Donald Trump called on Transportation Security Administration officers to continue reporting to their posts even though many have not received paychecks, as the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security reached its 29th day. The standoff in Washington has left thousands of airport security screeners working without full pay during the busy spring break travel season.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed appreciation for TSA officers and placed responsibility for the prolonged funding dispute on Democrats.
“Thank you to Johnny Jones and all of our GREAT TSA Agents who are going to work but not being paid because the Radical Left Democrats refuse to honor the deal that was approved and voted on in Congress.”
“They want your money to go to “Border Criminals, Murderers, foreign Drug Dealers, and some of the worst people on earth.”
“They don’t want it to go to you. Keep fighting for the USA. GO TO WORK! I promise that I will never forget you!!! President DJT,”
Johnny Jones serves as secretary-treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council 100, the union body that represents TSA officers, and reports indicate he also works as a TSA agent himself.
According to Fox News, that dual role means he is both a TSA employee and a union representative.
The shutdown began when funding for the Department of Homeland Security expired on February 13, forcing parts of the agency to halt operations beginning the following day.
By Saturday, the funding lapse had entered its 29th day.
TSA officers, who are designated as essential personnel, have continued carrying out their duties despite the shutdown, though many did not receive their full paycheck on Friday.
The TSA employs roughly 50,000 officers across the country. Reuters reported that the shutdown has already begun to affect staffing levels and airport operations as some employees call in sick or leave their positions.
Republicans argue that Democrats are responsible for the situation because they have declined to approve a broader funding bill for DHS that GOP leaders say already includes measures related to oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Democrats counter that the Republican proposal does not sufficiently address concerns about the conduct of ICE and Customs and Border Protection. They have instead promoted narrower funding measures that would provide resources for agencies such as TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard while negotiations continue over immigration enforcement policy.
Those agency-specific funding proposals have not passed the Senate, leaving both sides accusing the other of exploiting frontline workers for political leverage.
The impact of the shutdown is increasingly visible at airports.
At some locations, security lines have stretched to nearly three hours, while airports in several cities have begun seeking donations and gift cards to help unpaid TSA employees cover basic living expenses.
With no agreement yet in sight, the effects of the political deadlock are falling most heavily on travelers and the officers responsible for screening them.
{Matzav.com}
