Former President Donald Trump announced plans to issue an executive order ensuring airport security workers receive their paychecks despite an ongoing government shutdown that has left thousands of federal employees without pay for nearly two weeks.
Speaking at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago on Friday afternoon, Trump criticized the current administration's handling of the funding crisis and pledged to take immediate action if returned to office. The shutdown, which began March 15th, has affected Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers, air traffic controllers, and other critical aviation personnel across the United States.
"These hardworking Americans shouldn't have to choose between paying their rent and keeping our airports safe," Trump said. "My executive order will guarantee these essential workers get paid, shutdown or no shutdown. We cannot allow politics to jeopardize national security."
The current shutdown stems from congressional disagreements over federal spending priorities, with both parties unable to reach a compromise on a continuing resolution. TSA Administrator David Pekoske reported that absenteeism among security screeners has increased by 12 per cent since the shutdown began, raising concerns about airport safety and passenger wait times.
Major airports including Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, Los Angeles International, and Chicago O'Hare have experienced significant delays as understaffed security checkpoints struggle to process normal passenger volumes. Calgary's YYC Airport, while unaffected by the U.S. shutdown, has reported longer processing times for connecting passengers from affected American airports.
Legal experts question whether such an executive order would have the constitutional authority to bypass congressional appropriations, noting that federal spending must be authorized by Congress under Article I of the Constitution. "While the intention may be admirable, the mechanism raises serious separation of powers concerns," said Georgetown University constitutional law professor Rebecca Martinez.
The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents TSA workers, welcomed Trump's proposal while calling for immediate congressional action. "Our members are facing impossible choices between financial hardship and their duty to protect the travelling public," union president Everett Kelley stated in a press release.
Airlines for America, the industry's main lobbying group, reported that the shutdown has cost carriers approximately $25 million daily in operational disruptions and passenger compensation. Several major airlines have begun waiving change fees for flights affected by security delays.
The shutdown's impact extends beyond airports, affecting national parks, federal courts, and various government services. Economic analysts estimate the shutdown is costing the U.S. economy roughly $6 billion per week in reduced productivity and delayed government functions.
Congressional leadership from both parties have scheduled emergency meetings for next week, though previous negotiations have failed to produce a breakthrough. House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that any resolution would need bipartisan support to pass both chambers before reaching the president's desk.