Hot mic catches TSA agents saying they were terrified at Kristi Noem's event
Hot mic catches TSA agent saying he was "terrified" of a superior and complain about "frustrating" work schedules. pic.twitter.com/QgsKF8r1kZ
— Alexander Willis (@ReporterWillis) December 8, 2025
TAMPA, FLORIDA: A hot mic captured a startling moment during Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s event, where the TSA agents candidly admitted their fears. The incident highlights a disconnect between public praise and the harsh reality faced by many agents, underscoring frustration behind the scenes.
TSA agents' hot mic moment at Kristi Noem’s event
Ahead of a press conference led by Noem on Monday, December 8, TSA agents were overheard on a hot mic complaining about being “terrified” of one of their supervisors and expressing frustration about their busy schedules.
More than two dozen TSA officers were talking among themselves as they awaited the start of the presser.
“I used to be terrified of [her] when I started in HR. I was so scared of her,” one agent said. “She was really busy; she did discipline work in HR, so as an officer, she didn’t trust me because she didn’t know if I had a big mouth.”
The same officer later expressed frustration about scheduling, echoed by a colleague.
“Now you can no longer go to the store,” they said. “I wish I had Sunday-Monday or Friday-Saturday off, because having both weekend days is great, but it’s frustrating sometimes.”
TSA staff strained after unpaid work during shutdown
TSA agents were among government employees required to work amid last month’s single-largest US government shutdown. During this period, agents worked weeks without pay, after receiving a partial paycheck in early October, following Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
The shutdown occurred after Democrats refused to support a spending bill that didn’t include an extension of Obamacare subsidies. Without it, an estimated 4 million Americans could lose health insurance, while premiums for other enrollees could rise by 114%
Kristi Noem hands out bonus check to honor TSA workers
NEW: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem hands out $10,000 bonus checks to TSA agents who displayed “exemplary service” during the historic government shutdown. pic.twitter.com/0j9vmFdktN
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 8, 2025
During the event, Noem presented TSA workers with $10,000 bonus checks for their service during the government shutdown.
“TSA officers who are being recognized with $10,000 bonus checks are being recognized for exemplary service,” Noem said.
“They were nominated by their leadership teams, approved through TSA supervisors, and recommended for these bonuses. It’s not based on a single factor.”
“Noem added, “These individuals continued to show up, fulfilled their shifts, and helped ensure the team’s success during the shutdown."
