This past week saw President Donald Trump sign a piece of legislation that brought America's longest federal shutdown to an end.

In addition to reopening the government, Trump also delivered bonus checks to a group of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents. 

First 20 checks go out

According to the Daily Caller, the $10,000 bonus checks were handed out to 20 TSA agents who are employed at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

The checks were distributed during an event overseen on Thursday by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem.

"What I’m here talking about today is the outstanding patriotism and service of our TSA officers and officials that stepped up every single day to make sure that those individuals at our airports and at our transportation systems continue to be safe and secure," Noem told those in attendance.

.@Sec_Noem: “Today we are announcing that we are going to be handing out bonus checks of $10 thousand to TSOs, to agents who worked for TSA, who served with exemplary service.” pic.twitter.com/egiPGXNZ9w

— CSPAN (@cspan) November 13, 2025

"They went above and beyond. They helped individuals. They served extra shifts. They helped with transportation of people getting back and forth to work," she added.

Trump made promise via Truth Social post

Those individuals are not the only ones being rewarded, as thousands of other TSA agents will also get bonus checks for working through the 43-day shutdown.

The president announced that checks would go out in a Truth Social post on Tuesday, writing, "For those Air Traffic Controllers who were GREAT PATRIOTS, and didn’t take ANY TIME OFF for the 'Democrat Shutdown Hoax,' I will be recommending a BONUS of $10,000 per person for distinguished service to our Country."

However, he then stated, "For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU."

"You didn’t step up to help the U.S.A. against the FAKE DEMOCRAT ATTACK that was only meant to hurt our Country," Trump stressed.

Trade association predicts continued delays

Although the government shutdown has ended, a major trade association representing American, Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines has warned that service delays will continue.

"Airlines' reduced flight schedules cannot immediately bounce back to full capacity right after the government reopens," a press release from Airlines for America read.

The trade association went on to predict that "it will take time" for things to improve, and there will be residual effects for days."