President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that he would sign an executive order instructing the Department of Homeland Security to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents, addressing chaos at airports caused by a 41-day partial government shutdown.

In a Truth Social post, Trump declared a national emergency at airports and stated, "Because the Democrats have recklessly created a true National Crisis, I am using my authorities under the Law to protect our Great Country. Therefore, I am going to sign an Order … to immediately pay our TSA Agents to address this Emergency Situation." He directed DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to execute the payments and thanked TSA and ICE agents for their efforts.

The order comes as TSA officers, numbering about 50,000, prepare to miss their second paycheck on Friday after the first on March 13. Nearly 500 agents have quit since the shutdown began, with national callout rates exceeding 11%, over 3,120 on Wednesday, and up to 40% or more at some airports. This has led to record-long security lines, passengers missing flights after waits of over 2.5 hours, a 500% increase in assaults on officers, and warnings of potential closures. Airports have deployed ICE agents for assistance and private security in some cases.

The DHS funding lapse started February 14, 2026, following a brief earlier shutdown from January 31 to February 3. Disputes center on Democratic demands for immigration enforcement reforms, including body cameras, judicial warrants for searches, and limits on operations near schools and churches, prompted by incidents like the January killing of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti by CBP agents. Republicans have pushed proposals like the SAVE Act, while Trump has vowed no deal without it.

In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune presented a "last and final" Republican funding offer Thursday, but talks stalled ahead of a two-week recess. GOP senators praised Trump's move, with Sen. Susan Collins noting possible use of unspent funds from a prior tax cuts bill allocating $75 billion to DHS. Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, insist on ICE accountability. Legal experts anticipate court challenges to any emergency funding shift.

Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill described wait times as the "highest in TSA history." Trump had previously threatened National Guard deployment and reacted to offers like Elon Musk's to cover salaries. The action aims to avert further disruptions before spring travel peaks.