Transportation

Snaking Airport Lines Become Flashpoint in DHS Shutdown Debate

Travelers wait in line at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on March 16.Photographer: Megan Varner/Getty Images

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By Allyson Versprille

March 16, 2026 at 3:30 PM UTC

President Donald Trump and his administration blamed Democrats for longer airport security lines amid a partial government shutdown, as severe weather threatens to exacerbate passengers’ travel woes Monday.

In a post to Truth Social, Trump said “crazed Democrats are not allowing TSA Agents to get paid.” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy a day earlier said on social media platform X that travelers can “thank a Democrat” for longer-than-normal lines.