Morning Joe Host Criticizes Republicans Over Unpaid TSA Workers in DHS Funding Dispute

Published: 2026-03-26

On Thursday's episode of MSNBC's "Morning Joe," host Joe Scarborough criticized Republican lawmakers for not supporting measures to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers during a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The impasse, which began in mid-February 2026, stems from disagreements over DHS funding, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies including requirements for arrest warrants and bans on masked agents.

Scarborough, speaking around the 7:45 mark of the broadcast, accused the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), previously led by Elon Musk, of reducing the federal workforce. He argued that DOGE had intentionally targeted institutions responsible for national protection. He also referenced a 2016 statement attributed to former Trump adviser Steve Bannon about dismantling government structures.

Scarborough linked the TSA situation to U.S. travel alerts issued amid tensions with Iran, noting long airport lines and reduced staffing. "This is what’s happening while we’re going to war in Iran, while people are waiting three, four hours in line, and there are three or four TSA agents, and Iran is threatening terror attacks against America," he said. He added that Americans recall the 9/11 attacks and Iran's stated intentions. The State Department has issued travel advisories for Iran due to risks including terrorism, but has not specified direct threats to U.S. airports.

Scarborough raised his voice while addressing Republicans: "We are letting down our line of defenses when Republicans have a chance every day, every day, to get the TSA agents paid! Every day! You’re so stupid! First of all, it’s dangerous. But politically, you’re so stupid. You’re so stupid to not force this through and pay our TSA agents."

Thousands of TSA employees are working without pay due to the shutdown. This has resulted in longer security lines at airports and raised concerns among aviation experts about potential security vulnerabilities. Last week, Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic bill to fund TSA, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and Coast Guard workers—a move described by Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) as the 10th such block in three weeks.

However, the dispute involves actions by both parties. On March 26, 2026, House Democrats voted 218-206 against a Republican proposal for full DHS funding. President Trump has expressed reservations about partial funding agreements, citing the need to resolve ICE reform issues.

Scarborough urged Republicans to support payment for TSA workers to avoid risks. "Pay these people. OK? Because guess what? We all can go to the airport and come home. We’re fine, we’re fine … But TSA agents aren’t fine," he said. Co-host Mika Brzezinski interjected about travelers needing to reach destinations for work or medical care. Scarborough noted that unpaid workers face difficulties with personal matters, such as caring for ill family members, and criticized lawmakers for rejecting straightforward votes on TSA pay.

In closing, Scarborough called on Republicans to approve funding: "Please help yourself and save Americans. It’s that simple. They say yes, and guess what? The TSA agents get paid, these lines go away, and our security against Iranian terror threats – poof!"

The shutdown has also affected other DHS components, highlighting the broader policy disagreements over immigration enforcement.

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