Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Thursday that TSA agents who demonstrated “exemplary service” during the federal government shutdown would receive $10,000 bonus checks. Noem stated that under President Donald Trump’s administration, the bonuses were intended to recognize the efforts of TSA officers who remained on duty despite the shutdown.
“Their unsung patriotism deserves recognition,” Noem said, emphasizing that the agents “guaranteed that America wouldn’t shut down” during the period when Democrats allegedly sought to impose hardship on average citizens. She highlighted that the bonus checks, in addition to back pay, were awarded to those who “stepped up, taking on extra shifts, for showing up each and every day.”
Noem noted that tens of thousands of individuals “ stepped up and continued to serve” during the six-week shutdown, though she clarified that the criteria did not exclusively focus on those who avoided calling out sick. Instead, the recognition was extended to all TSA officials who performed exceptional service amid the challenges.
The announcement came as President Trump previously recommended a $10,000 bonus for air traffic controllers who worked through the government shutdown, stating they were “GREAT PATRIOTS” and did not take time off during the “Democrat Shutdown Hoax.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also echoed this sentiment, urging Congress to reward the commitment of workers who kept skies safe.
Noem traveled to Houston for a news conference marking the first day of the federal government’s reopening, distributing $10,000 bonus checks to more than 20 TSA officers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. According to NBC News, several thousand TSA workers will receive the bonuses, with recipients noted by supervisors for “above and beyond” and “exemplary” work during the shutdown.
President Trump signed a bill late Wednesday to fund agencies through Jan. 30, ending a shutdown that prompted layoffs and forced federal employees—including air traffic controllers and TSA officers—to work without pay.