Trump Directs Funds to Pay TSA Agents Amid Ongoing DHS Shutdown

President Donald Trump has directed the use of unspent funds from last year's Republican tax and spending bill to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents amid an ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. The executive order, issued after weeks of congressional gridlock and long airport lines, allows TSA employees to receive compensation despite the shutdown, which has persisted since February. The administration has confirmed the funds originate from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, though specific allocations remain undisclosed. A senior administration official cited a provision in the bill that sets aside $10 billion for reimbursement of costs related to DHS border security activities. While the White House has not detailed the exact source within the bill, experts suggest the $10 billion fund is the most plausible option. Bobby Kogan of the Center for American Progress noted that the money is not a general slush fund but is restricted to specific uses. During the previous government shutdown, Trump used unspent research and development funds and a $130 million private donation, reportedly from billionaire Timothy Mellon, to pay military personnel. Critics, including House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro, have raised concerns about the legality and transparency of Trump's actions. Kogan estimated that the $10 billion could cover TSA payments at a rate of approximately $140 million per week for over a year. However, legal experts like Devin O'Connor of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities argue that the administration has not provided sufficient clarity on the legality of the funding shift. O'Connor emphasized that Congress allocated the $10 billion with the intent of supporting border security, not TSA operations. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches over federal spending authority and the potential long-term implications for budgetary practices.