Washington, D.C. — The White House on Sunday intensified criticism of congressional Democrats as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown entered its 35th day, citing impacts on federal workers, airport operations, and national security functions.
In a statement, administration officials said more than 100,000 DHS employees — including approximately 50,000 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers — are working without pay. The White House said the lapse in funding has contributed to increased callouts and staffing shortages, leading to long lines and delays at airports across the country.
According to the statement, travelers at major airports have reported extended wait times as TSA staffing levels have declined. The administration also said broader DHS missions, including disaster response, cybersecurity, and law enforcement operations, are being strained during the shutdown.
The White House attributed the funding impasse to Democrats, accusing them of refusing to support a full funding agreement and calling for immediate action to reopen the department.
President Donald Trump echoed those concerns in a social media post Saturday, warning that he may take additional steps if an agreement is not reached.
“If the Radical Left Democrats don’t immediately sign an agreement to let our Country, in particular, our Airports, be FREE and SAFE again, I will move our brilliant and patriotic ICE Agents to the Airports where they will do Security,” Trump wrote.
He added that such a move would include the “immediate arrest of all Illegal Immigrants who have come into our Country,” and specifically referenced individuals from Somalia. Trump also criticized political leaders in Minnesota in the same post.
The president said he “look[s] forward to seeing ICE in action at our Airports,” as negotiations over DHS funding continue.
No agreement has been announced, and the shutdown remains ongoing.
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