WASHINGTON (VINnews) — Elon Musk says he is willing to pay the salaries of Transportation Security Administration workers during a prolonged Homeland Security shutdown, as President Donald Trump suggested deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at airports to keep operations moving.

The Transportation Security Administration, which screens more than 2.5 million passengers a day, has been strained by the shutdown, with staffing shortages, longer lines and rising absenteeism at airports nationwide.

I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 21, 2026

In a post on X, Musk said he would cover TSA salaries during the funding impasse, an offer that could cost more than $40 million per week based on the agency’s workforce, though it remains unclear whether such a private arrangement is legally permissible.

Hours later, Trump suggested on Truth Social that if Democrats do not agree to a funding deal, he could send ICE agents to airports to handle security screening. It was not immediately clear how such a plan would work, including whether those agents have the necessary training.

The proposals come as the shutdown drags on with no clear resolution, putting additional pressure on Congress as travelers face delays and disruptions at major airports across the country.