Kristi Noem awards $10K bonuses to TSA workers as Trump praises ‘patriotic’ federal employees
On Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport to deliver a significant gesture of appreciation to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents who continued to work during the recent 43-day government shutdown. Noem announced that these dedicated workers would receive a $10,000 bonus as recognition for their commitment and service during a challenging period when many federal employees were left without pay. “We will be looking at every single TSA official that helped serve during this government shutdown to do what we can to recognize that and help them financially with a bonus check to help them and their family get back on their feet,” she stated at a press conference, underscoring the administration’s gratitude for their hard work amidst the turmoil.
The decision to reward the TSA agents comes in the wake of the shutdown, which occurred due to a standoff between Democrats and the Trump administration over funding for border security and immigration reforms. A White House spokesperson emphasized the impact of the shutdown, attributing the financial strain on TSA officers to the Democrats’ refusal to negotiate, particularly over issues like health care for undocumented immigrants. As Noem handed out checks to approximately 20 TSA agents, she highlighted the importance of their role in maintaining safety and security at airports during the shutdown. This initiative mirrors President Trump’s earlier remarks regarding air traffic controllers, where he expressed his intention to recommend a similar bonus for those who remained committed to their duties throughout the shutdown.
In a post on X, Noem expressed her appreciation for the Department of Homeland Security employees, acknowledging the hardships they faced without pay and commending their dedication to national security. She reiterated the administration’s commitment to keeping the government operational and ensuring the safety of American citizens. This move not only serves as a financial relief for the TSA agents but also aims to bolster morale within the agency, highlighting the importance of their work during one of the longest government shutdowns in U.S. history. As the administration continues to navigate the aftermath of the shutdown, gestures like these are crucial in reaffirming support for federal employees who play vital roles in maintaining public safety and security.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday handed out bonus checks to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents who worked during the
government shutdown
.
Noem was in Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport where she announced that TSA workers who worked during the 43-day shutdown would receive a $10,000 bonus.
“We will be looking at every single TSA official that helped serve during this government shutdown to do what we can to recognize that and help them financially with a bonus check to help them and their family get back on their feet,” she said during a press conference.
AMERICANS COULD FACE AIRPORT CHAOS IF DEMS DON’T END SHUTDOWN, TRUMP OFFICIAL WARNS
Noem then handed out the checks to about 20 agents. Whether 100% attendance at work was required to receive the bonus wasn’t made clear.
“The Democrats’ decision to shut down the government – over demands to give free health care to illegal aliens – deprived many Americans of their paychecks, including TSA officers,” a White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “The Trump Administration is grateful to the hardworking TSA officers who continued to work, without pay, to ensure America stayed safe in spite of the Democrat Shutdown.”
President
Donald Trump
has floated a similar gesture for air traffic controllers after criticizing those who called out sick during the shutdown.
All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked.'”
SEAN DUFFY WARNS OF RECORD STRAIN ON AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS AHEAD OF FIRST MISSED PAYCHECK
“For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country,” he wrote Monday on Truth Social.
In a Thursday post on X, Noem thanked DHS employees for showing up to work during the shutdown.
“Thank you to every @DHSgov
team member for your dedication and resilience throughout the Democrats’ Shutdown—43 days without pay for many of you—a hardship on your families. Your continued work and dedication to protecting our homeland are a testament to your patriotism. You made America safer during the longest shutdown in American history.”
“Thanks to @POTUS
Trump, our government is open,” she added. “Together, we will continue to deliver on our promise to the American people: securing our homeland.”
