Trump Orders TSA Pay Amid Shutdown; Airport Delays Persist Despite Action

The ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown has severely impacted airport operations across the United States, with TSA employees working without pay, leading to increased absenteeism, resignations, and significant delays for travelers. President Trump has taken executive action to ensure TSA employees receive pay, aiming to mitigate the growing crisis. However, major airports are still advising travelers to arrive hours early, indicating that the immediate impact of the order may be limited. The shutdown has reached 44 days, surpassing previous records and raising concerns about security vulnerabilities within the domestic travel system. ## Latest Update Despite Trump's executive order to pay TSA agents, major U.S. airports are still experiencing delays and urging travelers to arrive hours early. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deployed to assist with security may remain at airports, and the impact of the order on reducing wait times is still uncertain. ## Timeline * **2026-03-27:** Trump announces he will sign an executive order to pay airport security workers due to stalled congressional action and staff shortages. * **2026-03-27:** Reports indicate over 60,000 TSA employees are working without pay, with nearly 500 resignations and increased sick calls causing long wait times. * **2026-03-28:** Trump signs an executive order directing federal officials to ensure TSA employees receive pay during the DHS shutdown. * **2026-03-29:** Reports surface that airport disruptions continue despite Trump's order, with long lines and uncertainty persisting due to the unresolved funding fight in Congress. * **2026-03-29:** Despite the executive order, major U.S. airports are still advising travelers to arrive hours early, and ICE agents may remain deployed to assist with security. ## What to Watch * **Impact of Executive Order:** Monitor how quickly the executive order translates into actual paychecks for TSA employees and whether it reduces absenteeism and wait times at airports. * **Congressional Action:** Track any developments in Congress regarding a long-term funding solution for the Department of Homeland Security to prevent future shutdowns. * **Security Risks:** Be aware of potential security vulnerabilities at airports due to staffing shortages and declining morale among TSA employees.