TSA agents are continuing to work without pay during the partial government shutdown. On Saturday, Elon Musk said on social media that he would be willing to cover their salaries, but the White House rejected the offer, citing legal complications linked to his existing federal contracts.
“We greatly appreciate Elon’s generous offer,” said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson in a statement to Business Insider. “However, it would create significant legal challenges due to his involvement with federal government contracts. The fastest way to ensure TSA and all DHS employees are paid is for Congress to fund the Department of Homeland Security.”
The rejection was first reported by CBS News. Musk has not publicly responded.
Musk initially said he wanted to step in “during this funding impasse” affecting travelers and workers across U.S. airports. However, federal law requires government salaries to be paid through congressional appropriations, creating both legal and ethical barriers to private intervention.
As of midweek, TSA workers had already missed at least one paycheck as lawmakers remain deadlocked over DHS funding. The shutdown has led to staffing shortages and long airport lines, with authorities deploying additional personnel, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, to manage disruptions.