Overview
- Elon Musk, who made the offer Saturday on X, said he would pay TSA salaries until Congress restores Department of Homeland Security funding.
- President Trump welcomed the plan, and reaction from lawmakers ranged from praise by Senator John Fetterman to renewed partisan blame over the shutdown.
- The TSA, DHS, and the White House have not outlined a way to accept private money, and federal law generally bars outside pay tied to official duties.
- About 50,000 screeners are working without pay, with higher call-outs, resignations, long lines at major airports, and warnings that some small airports could close.
- Covering TSA wages would cost about $58.65 million per week by federal estimates, underscoring the limits of private stopgaps and adding pressure for a congressional fix.