President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will sign an executive order ensuring Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are paid during the ongoing partial government shutdown. The decision comes as Senate Democrats continue to withhold funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), demanding immigration enforcement reforms.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump accused Democrats of prioritizing 'criminal illegal aliens' over American citizens. He asserted that Democrats are withholding DHS funding to push for open border policies, which he vowed to reject. 'They are refusing to fund Immigration Enforcement unless the Republicans agree to their Open Border Policies, which will never, ever happen again,' Trump wrote.
"I will not allow the Radical Left Democrats to hold our Country hostage any longer." - President Donald Trump
Trump also criticized past administrations for allowing millions of unvetted immigrants into the country, claiming they 'almost destroyed our Country.' He emphasized his commitment to protecting American sovereignty and ensuring the safety of U.S. citizens.
The executive order directs newly-appointed Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to prioritize paying TSA agents immediately. Trump praised TSA and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for their work during the shutdown, reiterating his determination to address the 'National Crisis' created by Democratic opposition.
Democrats have sought reforms to ICE operations, including requiring judicial warrants for enforcement actions and banning masks for federal immigration agents. The partial shutdown has also impacted pay for the U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies.