Trending Now - Airline Ceos Criticize Lawmakers Over Government Shutdown Impact

WHO:

President Trump

TSA agents, approximately 50,000 transportation security officers

Airline CEOs from American Airlines, United, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Alaska Air Group, Atlas Air Worldwide, UPS, and FedEx

U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould

WHAT:

President Trump thanked TSA agents for working without pay during the government shutdown.

TSA agents missed their first full paycheck on March 13th, 2026.

Unscheduled absences among TSA agents have more than doubled since the shutdown began.

Airlines expect a record 171 million passengers this spring.

The airline CEOs urged Congress to pass the Aviation Funding Solvency Act, the Aviation Funding Stability Act, and the Keep America Flying Act.

A California man, Idress Vinay Solomon, was charged with assaulting TSA and Dallas police officers at Dallas Love Field airport.

WHERE:

Denver International Airport

U.S. airports, including Philadelphia International Airport, Houston Hobby Airport, and New Orleans airports

Dallas Love Field airport

WHEN:

The partial government shutdown began on February 14th, 2026.

The first full missed paycheck for TSA agents was expected on March 13th, 2026.

The incident involving Idress Vinay Solomon occurred during the week of March 13th, 2026.

WHY:

The government shutdown is due to disagreements in Congress over funding for the Department of Homeland Security.

Airline CEOs stated that air travel has become "the political football" in the shutdown fight.

HOW:

TSA agents are required to work without pay during the funding lapse.

Airlines are attempting to reduce disruption by holding flights for delayed passengers and rebooking others.

(UPDATED March 15, 2026 17:04 UTC)

Today, President Trump expressed gratitude to approximately 50,000 TSA agents for their dedication during the ongoing government shutdown, which has left them working without pay since it began on February 14. As TSA agents missed their first full paycheck last Monday, unscheduled absences have more than doubled, prompting airline CEOs from major carriers to urge Congress to pass critical aviation funding legislation. In a related incident, a California man was charged with assaulting TSA and police officers at Dallas Love Field airport during the same week, highlighting the tensions surrounding the shutdown and its impact on air travel.