Donald Trump signed an executive order directing that all Department of Homeland Security employees receive pay and benefits during the partial government shutdown. The memo instructs DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to reallocate funds that have a "reasonable and logical nexus" to DHS functions to cover payroll. The shutdown reached its 49th day — the longest in U.S. history — as lawmakers remain deadlocked over ICE funding. About 10,000 FEMA workers are paid from the Disaster Relief Fund, while at least 4,000 FEMA employees remain furloughed or unpaid.
Trump Orders Pay for All DHS Employees Amid Longest U.S. Shutdown
The US Department of Homeland Security sign is seen on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building in Washington DC on 5 January 2023.Photograph: Anadolu/Anadolu Agency(Photograph: Anadolu/Anadolu Agency)
Former President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order directing that every Department of Homeland Security employee receive pay and benefits during the agency’s partial funding lapse. The directive mirrors a prior order that provided pay to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents and seeks to identify DHS accounts that can legally be used to cover payroll.
What the Order Says
The memo, titled "Liberating the Department of Homeland Security From the Democrat-Caused Shutdown," instructs Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin to "use funds that have a reasonable and logical nexus to the functions of DHS" to pay "each and every employee of DHS." The order frames the move as necessary to maintain national security and emergency readiness.
“This callous treatment of DHS employees must end in order to ensure that America is not susceptible to security threats and maintains readiness to respond to emergencies,” the order states.
Shutdown Context and Congressional Stalemate
The partial government shutdown entered its 49th day on Friday, making it the longest in U.S. history. Lawmakers remain deadlocked over funding language tied to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Democrats have resisted a funding bill that would send money to ICE without new limits on the agency’s immigration enforcement, while House Republicans rejected a separate compromise that would have funded DHS but excluded ICE and other immigration-focused offices.
Although reports indicated House and Senate Republicans were close to a deal earlier in the week, House Republicans took no action when lawmakers convened on Thursday, leaving the timing of any vote uncertain.
Operational Impact
Most DHS employees continued reporting to work despite the lapse in appropriations, but many went without pay. Rising callouts among TSA agents contributed to long lines and traveler frustration at some airport checkpoints. Those disruptions began to ease after TSA agents received back pay following Mr. Trump’s earlier order.
About 10,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) workers are currently being paid because their wages are charged to the non-lapsing Disaster Relief Fund. At least 4,000 FEMA employees remain furloughed or are working without pay.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
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