Rep. Jeffries: Trump Holds TSA Hostage in “Reckless War”

House Democrat Accuses Trump of Using TSA as Leverage Amid Shutdown

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries is sharply criticizing former President Donald Trump, accusing him of deliberately holding the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) “hostage” and creating chaos at airports. Jeffries stated this is part of what he calls Trump’s “reckless war of choice” that is dragging on. The comments came as a partial government shutdown continued, impacting TSA agents and travelers nationwide.

Billions Allocated, But TSA Agents Unpaid

Jeffries pointed to a large spending bill that was passed, which included $191 billion for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He explained that $10 billion of this money could be used at the discretion of Trump and DHS. However, over 41 days, Jeffries claims Trump chose not to pay TSA agents, even as he ordered Republicans to shut down the department. “He’s always had this ability, but clearly he wanted to hold TSA agents and the American people hostage across the country while creating chaos at airports trying to get Democrats to back away from our position,” Jeffries stated.

Democrats Attempt to Fund TSA Amidst Opposition

According to Jeffries, Senate Democrats have repeatedly tried to vote on funding for the TSA. He emphasized that these votes have occurred every day of the long lines and disruptions. However, he claims that Republicans in the Senate have blocked these attempts. This has left many travelers frustrated, struggling to understand who is responsible for the delays. Jeffries asserts that Trump has now effectively admitted his role, stating, “It’s up to me. I did it and I can now undo it.”

Calls to Reopen DHS and Control ICE

House and Senate Democrats have consistently called for the reopening of all aspects of the Department of Homeland Security. This includes agencies like TSA, FEMA, the Coast Guard, and cybersecurity professionals. Jeffries made it clear that Democrats are unwilling to fund what he described as Donald Trump’s “extreme and violent mass deportation machine,” referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He believes Republicans, who control the House, Senate, and presidency, chose to hold TSA agents hostage, forcing them to work without pay for weeks.

Trump’s Demands on Voting Legislation

Jeffries also detailed Trump’s demands concerning new voting legislation. He stated that Trump instructed Senators not to vote on TSA funding unless Democrats also agreed to fund ICE. Furthermore, Trump allegedly pushed for votes only on legislation requiring passports and birth certificates for voting, measures Jeffries described as never having been needed before. This legislation would also give Trump’s DHS access to state voting rolls, a move Jeffries believes lacks sufficient support, even among Republicans, to pass the Senate.

“Reckless War of Choice” and Economic Hardship

Jeffries drew a stark contrast between spending on military actions and domestic needs. He highlighted the billions of dollars being spent to drop bombs in the Middle East as part of a “reckless war of choice.” Meanwhile, he argued, there is an unwillingness to spend money to make life more affordable for Americans struggling with an affordability crisis. Jeffries criticized the proposed “Save America Act,” calling it “voter suppression on steroids.” He vowed that Democrats would do everything possible to ensure a free and fair election in November, predicting a Democratic takeover of both the House and Senate.

Trump’s Indifference to Hardship

The Democratic leader expressed disbelief at Trump’s recent comments made in the cabinet room regarding negotiations to end the war. When asked about the ongoing conflict, Trump reportedly said, “I don’t care.” Jeffries interpreted this as a statement of indifference to the hardship faced by Americans, particularly with skyrocketing gas prices and many living paycheck to paycheck. He further noted Trump’s apparent lack of concern for the thousands of troops placed in harm’s way and the American lives already lost in this conflict.

Source: Trump holding ‘TSA hostage’ as his ‘reckless war of choice’ drags on, says Rep. Jeffries (YouTube)