President Donald Trump said Thursday he will "soon sign an order" to pay all Department of Homeland Security employees until the partial government shutdown ends.
Trump used a Truth Social post to praise congressional Republicans for advancing a plan to restore full funding for border enforcement while sharply criticizing Democrats for what he described as their refusal to support immigration enforcement measures.
"I will soon sign an order to pay ALL of the incredible employees at the Department of Homeland Security," Trump wrote, emphasizing that frontline personnel and their families "have suffered far too long" during the funding standoff.
The president framed the move as necessary to support Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, who he said continue to serve despite gridlock in Washington.
Trump also accused Democrats of pushing what he called "Radical Left" open-border policies, arguing that their opposition to key funding provisions has contributed to the shutdown and undermined national security.
The announcement comes as Republicans pursue a broader strategy to restore funding for DHS, particularly for immigration enforcement agencies.
GOP leaders in both chambers have been working to advance legislation that prioritizes border security as negotiations with Democrats remain stalled.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., have signaled unity among Republicans on the issue, with Trump praising their leadership and calling the party "UNIFIED" in moving forward.
The funding dispute centers on disagreements over immigration enforcement and border security spending, with Republicans insisting on robust funding for DHS operations while Democrats have resisted certain provisions tied to enforcement policies.
In the meantime, DHS personnel — including Border Patrol agents, ICE officers, and other critical staff — have continued working without guaranteed pay, a situation Trump said is unacceptable given their role in protecting the country.
"[H]elp is on the way for Our Brave and Patriotic Public Servants who have continued to work hard, and do their part to protect and defend our Country," Trump wrote.
Historically, presidents have used executive authority in limited ways to address pay disruptions during shutdowns, though such measures often face legal and logistical challenges.
Still, Trump's proposed order signals a willingness to act unilaterally to ensure DHS workers are paid.
The move also reinforces the administration's broader focus on border security as a central issue heading into upcoming political battles, including the midterm elections.
Republicans argue that securing the border and supporting law enforcement agencies are essential priorities, while Democrats have countered that broader immigration reforms should be part of any funding agreement.
For now, Trump's planned order aims to provide immediate relief to DHS employees while the larger funding fight continues.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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