WASHINGTON D.C. February 22, 2026 – In a video posted from an airport security checkpoint, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem accused congressional Democrats of engaging in “political theater” by withholding funding for her department, resulting in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers going without pay during an ongoing partial government shutdown
The shutdown, which began on February 14, 2026, affects only DHS agencies after Democrats in Congress and the White House failed to agree on funding amid disputes over President Trump’s immigration enforcement reforms. Approximately 90% of DHS’s 260,000 employees, including most TSA officers, are classified as essential and must continue working without immediate compensation, though back pay is expected once funding is restored under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019.
In her X post on February 22, Noem highlighted the disparity: “Democrat members of Congress are getting paid, but they’re withholding @TSA workers pay checks.” She emphasized the impact on TSA staff, stating, “Democrats in Congress have chosen to not fund @DHSgov, which means that all of our TSA workers who showed up today are not getting paid. The men and women of TSA work hard to make sure you and your loved ones can fly safely. This political theater is only making it hard on them and their families.” Noem encouraged the public to thank TSA officers if encountered.
The video, filmed at what appears to be a busy airport, shows Noem addressing the camera directly while gesturing emphatically, dressed in a white DHS-branded jacket. It has garnered over 370,000 views, 14,000 likes, and thousands of reposts and replies, reflecting polarized reactions.
Supporters echoed Noem’s sentiments, with conservative commentator Scott Presler ( @ScottPresler ) posting, “Now, drug cartel members are violently torching their country & democrats still won’t fund the Department of Homeland Security.” Similarly, Gunther Eagleman ( @GuntherEagleman ) noted, “Chuck Schumer won’t miss a check though.”
Critics, however, pushed back against the administration’s narrative. One reply from @RoguePOTUSStaff stated, “Lady, this is on you. If you weren’t so damn untrustworthy it wouldn’t come to this.” Another from @JoJoFromJerz took a personal jab, while @RealJoeBonanno argued, “The only reason TSA workers aren’t getting paid is because Kristi Noem refuses to use the $$Billions in taxpayer money She’s Hoarding at DHS.”
This marks the third funding lapse for DHS in six months, exacerbating financial strain on workers still recovering from previous shutdowns. In response, DHS has implemented emergency measures, including suspending the Global Entry program and courtesy escorts for members of Congress at airports to conserve resources. TSA PreCheck was briefly slated for suspension but was reversed amid backlash from the travel industry, which warned of potential delays and economic impacts similar to last year’s record shutdown.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the administration’s stance, calling the Democrats’ actions “irresponsible and despicable” for forcing essential workers like TSA officers, Coast Guard personnel, and FEMA staff to work unpaid. DHS officials have warned that prolonged shutdowns could impair national security operations, including border protection and emergency responses.
Democrats, on the other hand, have argued that the funding impasse stems from the administration’s refusal to compromise on immigration policies they deem overly aggressive. No immediate resolution appears in sight, with negotiations stalled as both sides trade blame.
Travelers are advised to check TSA updates for potential impacts on airport operations, though officials insist security will not be compromised. As the shutdown enters its second week, the human cost on federal workers continues to mount, with union leaders like Craig Carter of the Federal Managers Association highlighting the immediate hardships faced by employees.
About The Author
