US President Donald Trump will convene a meeting of his Cabinet at the White House on Thursday morning (March 26) as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown enters Day 41, putting pressure on federal agencies and air travel operations.
The meeting comes amid growing concerns over airport security delays, caused by staffing shortages at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during the DHS funding lapse. Travelers have faced hours-long waits at major US airports, with absentee rates among TSA officers reaching 40–50% at some hubs.
Political deadlock
Both Republicans and Democrats have proposed bills to separate TSA and other non-immigration agencies from the DHS funding measure, but these efforts have been blocked in Congress, prolonging the shutdown. The stalemate is part of broader disputes over immigration enforcement policy and DHS budget allocations.
International context
The Cabinet meeting coincides with ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, as both nations negotiate terms for a potential ceasefire deal in the Middle East.
