Airport Chaos: Donald Trump Declares National Emergency

US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency related to disruptions in airport operations. He also plans to sign an executive order to immediately pay airport security personnel. This step was announced by Trump via social media, amid chaos at several airports due to the partial government shutdown that has lasted 41 days. Trump described the situation as a national crisis. He attributed it to political deadlock, particularly regarding funding and immigration policy. “Because Democrats have recklessly created a national crisis, I am using legal authority to protect our country,” Trump wrote, quoted by Fox News on Friday (27/3/2026). He also confirmed he would sign an order to “immediately pay Transportation Security Administration personnel” to address the emergency. The disruptions primarily affect the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the agency responsible for aviation security under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Due to the partial shutdown, TSA operations have been hampered, leading to long queues at airports across the US. This situation arises amid political tug-of-war over DHS funding and immigration policy enforcement. Trump also accused the Democratic Party of refusing funding for immigration enforcement, which he says has worsened the airport chaos. Nevertheless, he expressed appreciation to TSA personnel for their work in difficult conditions. As of now, the White House has not provided further official response regarding the policy.