Noem Hands Out $10,000 Checks To TSA Agents Who Worked Through Shutdown

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Thursday that thousands of TSA agents would receive a $10,000 bonus check for showing “exemplary service” and “stepping up” during the government shutdown.

Noem made the announcement at a press conference, standing alongside a group of TSA agents who were among the more than one million government workers who went weeks without pay during the longest government shutdown in American history. Government workers who went without paychecks during the 44-day government shutdown are also getting back pay.

“We are not only going to continue their paychecks like they should’ve received all along, but also they’re going to receive a bonus check for stepping up, taking on extra shifts, for showing up each and every day, for serving the American people,” Noem said.

.@Sec_Noem announces $10,000 bonus checks for @TSA agents who showed up for work and took on extra shifts — despite not receiving paychecks — during the Democrat Shutdown. pic.twitter.com/TqncMEPPnl

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 13, 2025

Noem added that the administration “will be looking at every single TSA official that helped serve during this government shutdown and do what we can to recognize that and help them financially with a bonus check to get them and their family back on their feet.” The Homeland Security Secretary then passed out checks to the agents standing behind her.

.@Sec_Noem hands out $10,000 bonus checks to Houston TSA workers who stepped up and showed up to work during the Democrat government shutdown pic.twitter.com/N5yLMiPeEb

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 13, 2025

Airports and the airline industry were hit hard by the record-breaking government shutdown, as the federal government had to address a shortage of air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration said last week it would slash air traffic by up to 10% at 40 of the busiest airports across the country as the shutdown continued. While the shutdown officially ended on Wednesday night when President Donald Trump signed the short-term government spending bill, officials warned that air travel disruptions could continue for days.

Trump also promised to hand out $10,000 bonus checks to air traffic controllers who stayed on the job during the shutdown.

“For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the ‘Democrat Shutdown Hoax,’ I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country,” Trump said on Monday.

Many controllers called in sick during the shutdown, with some picking up temporary jobs to cover lost income, and the president sharply criticized those absences.

“For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU,” Trump said. “You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country. You will have a negative mark, at least in my mind, against your record.”