With the longest government shutdown in history now having ended, federal workers should be getting their (long overdue) paychecks by November 19, 2025.
Continue reading: Trump Gives $10K Bonus Checks To “Patriot” TSA Agents For Shutdown Work
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Another day another leftist political blast piece by this blogger.
Why can’t he just be happy for those that put on their boots and worked for absolutely nothing during the democrat party shutdown?
SMH
Nah, Trump and Deportation Barbie did not give out these checks. We did.
Also, if TSA and ATCs are essential, pay them. Full stop. Don’t make them work for free and float their money. If they were paid what they were owed while they were working taxpayers wouldn’t have to be giving them bonuses now.
Also good luck with every other TSA worker not getting money now saying they want theirs too.
This is probably illegal.
Can you show us where the blogger hurt you?
And it’s the Democratic Party, not the democrat party.
Dave, you berate Ben for writing “another to leftist political blast”. Yet you then refer “the Democrat party shutdown” - clearly a pejorative term.
So can we assume that you’re another “rightist” commenter? And you’re upset that you perceive Ben as not being in total lockstep with your own political views?
Have we learned nothing? Trump is a con-man. He'll promise the world, deliver nothing, or do a token $10K with a press conference. Just a show. $10K... if you were 'loyal to him, personally.' But there will be little-to-no follow-through or transparency.
Instead, there should be bi-partisan legislation to ensure all ATC get paid during any shutdowns; properly fund the FAA, hire, train, invest in more people, better equipment, and technology. Pay them all $10K bonuses. They deserve it.
Ironically, Trump is the most socialist US President in my lifetime. And, he's taken 'golden shares' of companies, forcing Intel to sell 10%, on a whim.
Listen, I get it, tribalism, and I'm not a fan of the guy, but, what is going on here? There's no ideology or plan; it's just him 'spit-balling' to stay outta prison and to steal more from us. Wild.
Thank you, brandote. Well said. Still waiting for Dave's reply... 'show us on the doll, Dave!'
Bingo. The taxpayer always pays. This should be challenged. Can't give him an inch, he'll take a mile. If they're gonna pay such bonuses, pay all ATC; they all deserve it.
To him, patriotism is loyalty to him, personally; that's not actual patriotism. In fact, these days, standing up and speaking out against Trump's authoritarianism is the actual patriotic duty.
Trump gave a bonus to people who kept working without pay through uncertain times. Literally. That's all he did. The most just and obvious thing any boss can do to a loyal employee. Yet, the mental ward patients that happen to have access to internet have already found something to psychotically complain about.
The medal presentation ceremony will surely follow. After that, patriots will receive a certificate redeemable (in five years) for one Chevy Trax (Rental Car spec).
Reminds me of his other distraction tactic... the proposed 'dividend' check of $2,000 *cough* BRIBE *cough* to be sent to all Americans from the 'revenue' of tariffs...
Meanwhile, we're all paying far more than that for these tariffs, which are import taxes on all our goods. His propogandists will suggest, 'no, it's those other countries paying' (naw, man, it's us, the consumers, and it's an incredibly regressive consumption tax which a one-time $2K won't make up for, if we ever receive that, which we likely won't.)
*said he would give (has not actually given, no details provided).
Meaning, he probably will stiff these people, like he did to his contractors in NY/NJ in the 80s/90s. We knew better then; we should all know better now. He's a con-man.
Thank you, James. Dave is being disingenuous. And watch-out, because, his fellow right-wingers won't try to debate in good-faith, no, they'll seek to censor anyone who challenges them ('can we block 'x' commenter that I happen to disagree with'...). Or, they'll pretend, 'please, no politics...' (when this and many issues do deal with politics.)
Was this money appropriated by Congress for this purpose? If not, it's probably illegal.
Rage bait.
I suggest everyone disregard comments like theirs from now on.
They're just someone random behind a screen whether it's a woman, man, or even just a bot.
Mike O., presuming you were referring to Dave's initial comment; agreed, it is rage-bait; then again, the entire topic (Trump making a spectacle of something) is also 'bait,' yet, in this 'attention' economy, I still feel that we should challenge such bad ideas, lest they become normalized. To each their own, though; ignore or engage should be your own choice.
I think the concern isn't about rewarding TSA agents who worked through the shutdown - everyone agrees they deserve recognition. The issue is transparency and fairness.
The press release says bonuses are going to agents "across our nation" with "exemplary service," but we only saw about 20 people receive checks at a Houston photo op. With roughly 50,000 TSA agents, many who showed up with perfect attendance during those 43 weeks, it's reasonable to ask: What exactly made these particular agents "exemplary"? Were they chosen based on clear criteria, or were they just at the right airport when cameras were rolling?
Even the union representative said it would be "better to give everybody a little something" since they all endured hardship. When there's no transparency about who gets rewarded and why, it creates exactly the kind of workplace resentment that makes good people feel unappreciated. That's not being "psychotic" - that's asking for basic fairness and accountability with taxpayer money.
You raise valid concerns about follow-through. The pattern you're describing - big announcements, limited delivery - is why transparency matters so much here. We need to know: How many agents total are receiving these bonuses? What were the actual criteria? Is this $500 million for all TSA agents, $2 million for 200 agents, or $200,000 for the 20 people in the photo?
And you're absolutely right about the bigger picture. One-time bonuses are nice, but they don't solve systemic problems. Federal workers shouldn't have to work without pay during shutdowns in the first place. The real solution is the kind of structural reform you mentioned - ensuring essential workers get paid regardless of political dysfunction, proper funding for agencies, and sustainable improvements to working conditions.
A $10K check makes for good TV, but lasting change requires boring, unglamorous work like passing legislation and actually funding agencies properly.Retry
My brother works for the TSA at DFW and received the $10k. The weird thing is that he had prearranged surgery during the shutdown and was on sick leave for 3 weeks. Prior to his surgery, but still during the shutdown, he worked extra shifts in case he was going to be out of work longer due to the surgery. Maybe those extra hours made him a patriot???
Getting a $10K bonus from someone who stages a press conference to call you a "patriot" for his cameras is like receiving a Rolex with the price tag still attached and a note saying "Remember who loves you." Sure, the watch is real, but now you're wearing a billboard. And the second you don't applaud enthusiastically enough at the next rally, that "gift" becomes exhibit A in the trial of your insufficient gratitude. Some presents come with strings attached; this one comes with a full marionette rig.
Let's talk about those suddenly-flexible budget constraints. During the shutdown, we were told it was legally impossible to pay air traffic controllers: appropriations law, hands tied, nothing we can do. Never mind that this is the same administration that declared a national emergency to redirect military funds for a border wall when Congress said no, or held up Ukraine aid in violation of the Impoundment Control Act. Appropriations law is apparently more like appropriations suggestion, binding only when convenient. Meanwhile, tariffs are supposedly raking in billions "for the American people," yet that revenue funds sweetheart trade deals with Argentina instead of keeping SNAP benefits flowing or paying essential workers. The money exists. It has always existed. "We can't afford it" has always just meant "we don't want to spend it on you." But a photo op with 20 TSA agents and campaign-style rhetoric? For that, the coffers open right up.
Wow, it’s shocking how leftist won’t celebrate people doing a good job and struggling by coming into work and picking up extra duties while their regular paychecks are not coming.
You people on the left and other internet trolls are nothing more than a callous, hateful, bitter, and mean spirited bunch of people who are fully out of touch with any sense of morality and love. It’s sad and I’m tired of praying for you all to get well soon so I hope someone else can take over from me to wish you good healing positive energy.
0% chance this happens. Read 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf'.
Stop perpetuating this administrations obvious lies.
You are either willfully ignorant or lack critical thinking skills. Anyone with an IQ over 10 knows this is another distraction tactic and will NEVER happen.
Add 'Tom Sawyer' to the reading list; the boys who paint the fence for Tom are the equivalent of Trump's supporters 'eating up' his lies.
Ah, nice use of "You people" and feigning 'prayers' for your perceived enemies. Tots and pears.
And with your brilliant "callous, hateful, bitter, and mean spirited" comment...please see Hamlet: "the lady doth protest too much, methinks."
"We can't afford it" has always just meant "we don't want to spend it on you." Well said. It's all lies by Trump and his cronies.
See, King Lear; the daughter who tells the truth is punished, exiled; the sycophants are rewarded, but ultimately they betray; we only learn too late.
Sounds like Trump's team simply presumed that DFW (Texas) must've been his supporters, so, pay them, not the wokey wokes in blue states/cities, because 'the enemy within' or 'vermin' or some other fascist lie.
Well said, All Due Respect.
"20 people receive checks at a Houston photo op" is because Texas is deemed 'good' but no one at blue states/cities will likely receive anything, because... its corruption.
Yup, large-scale, or even incremental, reforms is not always easy, but it's often right and necessary thing to do. Gotta keep fighting the good fight, every day, every way.
Those who did extra-through searches , as at Tel Aviv , ought to be promoted .
Also , those airline employees who disallow carry-on suitcases and/or dogs ought to be promoted.
Also, those airline employees who give me double-upgrades ought to be promoted .
Since I'm naive, for federal workers, who determines whether someone is essential and whether they can continue to get paid? I imagine there's a huge set of rules regarding payments, etc. that Congress has probably setup.
Well and what about all the other unpaid employees that continued to work without pay? All the people in US forces bases all around the world where withholding wages is plain illegal?
Are only 20 of the 1.400.000 eligible to this bonus? Publicity stunt of the government should pay out to each and everyone, costing 28bn Dollar.
Oh, 1990 - you missed the perfect chance. More like "Master Of The House", I'd suggest !
Where did the money come from??? Should take it out from all those in the Senate and the House that did not work for almost 50 days. Average annual salaries is $174K. Plus, the $40 billions that are given to Argentina, should be more than enough to extend ACA advanced premium credit and give $10K bonuses to all TSAs and air traffic controllers.
Stupidest and most corrupted administration led by a convicted felon.
Geez looking at these comments is alarming. Cant people just be happy that TSA workers received cash bonuses for their work during a difficult time? Regardless of party preference this should be applauded.
No one should spend their money until they actually have it, have deposited it and then wait about 10 days to make sure it doesn't bounce.
Excellent move! indeed well deserved.. The foaming in the mouth of the useful (and usual) idiots leftists in the comment is just the icing on the cake!
The 10k bonus would be justified IF federal workers who did not actually work were not given back pay. Those not working should have been furloughed and forced to collect unemployment and/or seek temp work like anyone in the private sector.
Agree Too many leftos on these travel blogs..Refreshing to see positive comments from the right side.
Elsewhere I've read nobody in TSA has mentioned getting such a bonus. Never mind if they had so much in carryover funds, they could have paid TSA during the shutdown... Also this is coming from (the representative of) a man who has been famous his entire life for making promises and then not paying them out. Absolute on-brand for him to say this and nobody ever sees any money but nobody ever calls him/them the liars they are.
I think it would be fair to not believe anything self-promoting from Noem or the rest of this regime.
Totally against this. Just pay them if they’re “essential” and working. And if they’re getting backpay definitely don’t need a bonus.
I don’t think you need to be a “leftist” to understand and disapprove of this nonsensical and contradictory bonus.
Hmm... if those were "carryover funds from Fy 25, they legally could have paid TSA agents with those funds during the shutdown. Departments and agencies can pay their employees with prior year carryover funds until they are exhausted. So, not paying agents when they could have and then using the carryover as a bonus is insulting to everyone who worked with deferred pay for six weeks.