You know what's not a great look? Starting a war in the Middle East that's spiking gas prices, failing to fund the Department of Homeland Security for six weeks straight, watching 450+ TSA agents quit — and then having Congress pack up and leave for a two-week Easter vacation.
But here we are.
Trump and DOGE promised that slashing the federal workforce would make government more efficient and save taxpayers money.
More than 450 TSA agents have resigned in the nearly six weeks since the partial government shutdown began — contributing to what a top Homeland Security official confirmed are "the highest wait times in TSA history." Sources: Axios, Democracy Now!
Here's What Happened.
Congress has been deadlocked on DHS funding for nearly 40 days. On Thursday, the Senate held a vote open for five full hours trying to break the stalemate. They failed. Then Congress left for two weeks of Easter and Passover recess. Happy holidays, have fun in your security line.
The White House floated the idea of separately funding TSA to keep airports running — but press secretary Karoline Leavitt made sure to clarify that "no preparations or plans are currently underway." Translation: they're thinking about maybe possibly considering doing something. Eventually. After the holiday.
"We've had the vote open for five hours to give the Democrats an opportunity to come to the table. They have not, and now time is up." — Senate GOP Whip John Barrasso, moments before leaving for vacation.
The Math Is Not Complicated.
DOGE cuts workforce. Workforce quits or gets fired. Remaining workforce is overwhelmed. Lines get longer. Flights get missed. The people who caused all of it are at their beach houses for two weeks.
This is the "efficiency" they promised you. Not in theory, not in a think tank white paper — but at 6 AM when you're sprinting to your gate and the guy behind you has been standing there since 3 AM.
If you missed a flight this week, send the bill to DOGE. They probably won't pay it. But they should.
This post distinguishes between documented facts, allegations, and analysis. Where motive, intent, corruption, or illegality remains disputed in the public record, the text attributes that judgment to court findings, official records, direct quotes, or the reporting linked below.
- Axios: 450+ TSA agents have quit since the partial shutdown began.
- CNN: Senate failed to advance DHS funding after holding vote open 5 hours; Congress left for two-week recess.
- Democracy Now!: "Highest wait times in TSA history."