WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump stated today he will sign an executive order to ensure all Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees receive their paychecks, even as a partial government shutdown continues to impact several key agencies within the department. The announcement, made during a brief appearance at his Mar-a-Lago resort, comes as the shutdown enters its second week, leaving thousands of DHS personnel working without pay or furloughed. The core issue remains a stalled funding bill, and the details of how Trump intends to circumvent Congress to fund these salaries remain unclear.
The ongoing impasse centers on disagreements over border security funding and policy. While the Senate passed a $460 billion package of six appropriations bills – including funding for DHS – on February 26, 2026, the House has so far refused to grab action. Reuters reported that House Speaker Mike Johnson has signaled he may delay a vote until lawmakers return from a two-week recess, potentially prolonging the disruption.
Shutdown’s Impact on DHS Subagencies
The shutdown is not affecting all of DHS equally. Essential personnel, such as those involved in border security and national security, are continuing to operate, but without pay. However, several subagencies are facing significant disruptions. It remains uncertain whether Trump’s planned order will encompass all affected areas, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The former president did not specify which subagencies would be covered during his remarks.
The lack of clarity is causing anxiety among DHS employees. “People are worried about making rent, about childcare,” said one DHS employee, speaking on condition of anonymity due to agency policy. “We understand the political situation, but we’re the ones who are bearing the brunt of it.” The employee added that morale is low and that the uncertainty is making it difficult to focus on their work.
House Republicans’ Stance and Potential Paths Forward
The House’s refusal to act on the Senate-passed bill stems from demands for stricter border security measures and cuts to other government programs. Republican lawmakers have argued that the Senate bill does not go far enough to address the situation at the southern border. Speaker Johnson, in a statement released earlier today, reiterated his commitment to securing the border but also emphasized the demand for fiscal responsibility. NBC News detailed the ongoing negotiations and the deep divisions within the Republican party.
Several potential paths forward exist, though none are guaranteed. One possibility is a compromise agreement that includes some of the border security measures sought by House Republicans, but also maintains funding for other essential programs. Another option is a short-term continuing resolution (CR) that would temporarily extend funding for DHS and other agencies, giving lawmakers more time to negotiate a longer-term solution. However, the latter option is unlikely to be favored by either party, as it would simply delay the inevitable confrontation.
What the Shutdown Means for Border Operations
While CBP agents are still reporting for duty, the shutdown is impacting certain border operations. Training programs have been suspended, and some non-essential border infrastructure projects have been place on hold. The shutdown is also affecting the processing of visa applications and other immigration-related services. The Department has stated that It’s prioritizing national security and public safety, but the disruptions are nonetheless significant.
Experts warn that a prolonged shutdown could have serious consequences for border security. “The longer this goes on, the more vulnerable we become,” said Theresa Brown, a former DHS official. “You start to lose institutional knowledge, you lose momentum, and you create opportunities for bad actors.”
Trump’s Authority and Legal Challenges
The legality of Trump’s planned executive order is already being questioned. Legal scholars are divided on whether a president can unilaterally order the payment of federal employees when Congress has not appropriated the funds. Some argue that such an order would be a clear violation of the separation of powers, while others contend that the president has broad authority to protect national security and ensure the functioning of the government.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has not yet released an analysis of the potential cost of Trump’s order, but estimates range from several billion dollars to tens of billions of dollars, depending on the scope of the order and the duration of the shutdown. The funding source for such an order remains a significant question mark. It is speculated that Trump may attempt to redirect funds from other government agencies, but this would likely face legal challenges.
The House is scheduled to reconvene on Monday, April 6th, but Speaker Johnson has indicated he may postpone a vote on the DHS funding bill until after the two-week recess. So the shutdown could continue for several more weeks, leaving DHS employees in limbo and potentially exacerbating the disruptions at the border. The next key date to watch is April 15th, when lawmakers are scheduled to return from recess.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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