Secretary Noem Gives TSA Officers $10,000 Bonus for Above and Beyond Service During Democrats’ Shutdown
Release Date: November 13, 2025Trump administration rewards public servants who kept airports safe despite the Democrats' games
HOUSTON, Texas – On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that Transportation Security Agency (TSA) officers with exemplary service during the Democrats’ government shutdown will be receiving a $10,000 bonus in appreciation for their hard work and service to the American people.
“I’m pleased to announce that under President Trump, we are giving a $10,000 bonus to TSA officers across our nation who went above and beyond during the Democrats’ shutdown,” Secretary Noem said in a statement. “They guaranteed that America wouldn’t shut down – no matter how badly the Democrats wanted average Americans to feel the pain. Their unsung patriotism deserves recognition. President Trump and I are so grateful for these patriots.”
Despite tremendous personal, operational, and financial challenges, these dedicated officers showed up to work every day for more than a month, without pay, ensuring the American people could travel safely.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is paying for these bonuses using carryover funds from Fiscal Year 2025. This funding is available thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, enabling DHS to save the American taxpayer over $13.2 billion since President Trump returned to office.
During her remarks in Houston, Secretary Noem spotlighted examples of extraordinary service at George Bush Intercontinental Airport despite tough economic conditions imposed by the Democrats’ shutdown:
- TSA officer Reiko Walker, an officer of 20 years and part of TSA’s National Deployment Force, had perfect attendance during the shutdown and filled in on extra shifts. At the end of six weeks, he willingly worked double of what he was originally scheduled for.
- TSA officer Ashley Richardson, another officer with perfect attendance. After months of excelling at her work, she planned on moving into her own place but had to cancel that move due to the Democrats’ shutdown.
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Secretary Noem Gives TSA Officers $10,000 Bonus for Above and Beyond Service During Democrats’ Shutdown | Homeland Security
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that Transportation Security Agency (TSA) officers with exemplary service during the Democrats’ government shutdown will be receiving a $10,000 bonus in appreciation for their hard work and service to the American people.
Some TSA agents who worked through government shutdown to get $10K bonuses
Video caption, Watch: Noem announces bonus pay for TSA officers who kept "American people safe"Article Information
- Author, Nardine Saad
- Role,
- 13 November 2025
Updated 2 hours ago
Noem said those who "served with exemplary service" would receive a $10,000 (£7,581) bonuses in addition to backpay to help them get back on their feet. She made the announcement while handing out several of the bonus cheques at a Houston, Texas, airport.
President Donald Trump suggested giving similar pay-outs to air traffic controllers who didn't call out sick during the shutdown.
It is unclear how many agents will receive the bonus and what the exact parameters will be for distribution.
IMAGE SOURCE, GETTY IMAGES
Speaking at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, Noem was flanked by nearly two dozen agents to whom she handed envelopes and thanked for their service.
Noem said that Transportation Security Officers, many of whom are TSA agents, will receive bonus cheques for upholding the mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as well as "stepping up, taking on extra shifts" and "for showing up each and every day" to serve Americans as they commute across the country.
The exact requirements for the bonus are unclear but Noem said that DHS "will continue to evaluate every single employee that helped during the shutdown" and "look at every individual that did exceptional service".
Tens of thousands of individuals, ranging from administrators to front-line agents at security gates, took on extra shifts to fill in for those who could not, she added.
DHS will pay for the bonuses using carryover funds from fiscal year 2025, the department said in a statement. Noem also said that government savings on contracts and other spending requirements helped provide the funds.
Air travel in the US faced nationwide disruptions during the shutdown, which began on 1 October over a funding impasse in the US Congress. The shutdown officially ended on Wednesday.
The Federal Aviation Administration last week limited flights due to staffing shortages, particularly those involving air traffic controllers, many of whom called in sick or had taken on other jobs to sustain themselves.
Agents worked without pay and took on extra challenges and extra hours during the shutdown. Noem said they were "examples to the rest of the individuals who worked with them and endured those hardships".
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