Tyler Perry, an Atlanta resident, arrived at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Thursday with the intention of giving a “significant” amount of cash to Transportation Security Administration workers affected by the ongoing government shutdown. Federal regulations, however, prevented TSA employees from accepting money, according to 11Alive.

Perry spent time speaking with staff, thanking them for their service, and boosting morale despite being unable to distribute the funds directly. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed that TSA officers are prohibited from accepting cash or gift cards at screening locations. Aaron Barker, president of the AFGE Local 554 union in Georgia, noted that TSA unions can accept donations and distribute funds to members.

During the shutdown, TSA staff have received assistance from airport personnel and local businesses, including meals from a metro Atlanta restaurant. Relief for federal workers may be forthcoming: President Donald Trump announced plans to sign an emergency order to ensure TSA agents are paid, while criticizing Democrats for creating a “true National Crisis.”

“I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation, and to quickly stop the Democrat Chaos at the Airports,” Trump posted on Truth Social Thursday. “It is not an easy thing to do, but I am going to do it!”

Perry’s visit highlighted both the morale boost his presence provided and the ongoing challenges faced by TSA personnel amid the federal shutdown.