Trump issues presidential memorandum directing Homeland Security, OMB to pay TSA workers

President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum Friday, directing Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration workers. 

Trump claimed he would sign an executive order Thursday, which comes amid a partial government shutdown that began Feb. 14 and has since left TSA workers without paychecks. The Homeland Security Department has been shuttered as a result of a Congressional stalemate on funding the agency and more than 450 TSA workers have so far reportedly quit since the shutdown began.

The president claimed the shutdown has now caused an "unprecedented emergency situation," that has "negatively impacted countless Americans."

"If Democrats in Congress will not act to honor the service of our TSA officers, who are now performing their critical public safety responsibilities without knowing whether they will be able to buy food for their families or pay their rent, then my Administration will take action," Trump declared. "As President of the United States, I have determined that these circumstances constitute an emergency situation compromising the Nation’s security."

Trump said he has ordered the DHS and OMB to use funds that have a reasonable "nexus" to TSA operations to provide TSA employees with the compensation and benefits they would have received without the shutdown.

"Once regular funding for TSA has been restored, every effort should be made, as authorized by law, to adjust applicable funding accounts within DHS to ensure the continuation of DHS operations and activities consistent with planned expenditures prior to the lapse," he added.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.