Karoline Leavitt blasts Democrats leaving DC as DHS shutdown fuels airport chaos: 'How convenient'

WASHINGTON, DC: Karoline Leavitt is aiming at Democrats as the DHS shutdown drags on, blaming them for worsening chaos at airports across the country.

Speaking amid the growing disruption, Leavitt called out Democrats for leaving the capital while the situation continues to spiral.

“How convenient,” Leavitt said, criticizing lawmakers who are flying out of Washington instead of staying to address the crisis. She made it clear who she believes is paying the price. “The only people that are suffering from this are the American people.”

Airport delays surge as shutdown impacts TSA staffing

The impact of the shutdown is now being felt nationwide, especially at major airports where security lines have stretched for hours.

In Houston, travelers have faced waits of up to three hours just to get through TSA checkpoints.

The situation appears even worse in other cities.

At Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, some passengers reported waiting as long as five hours before they could board their flights. The delays have left many scrambling to make connections or missing flights altogether.

In New York, LaGuardia Airport saw lines stretch all the way to the parking lot, creating massive congestion.

Similar scenes unfolded in New Orleans, where long lines caused widespread disruption for travelers trying to get through security.

These delays are being driven by a growing staffing shortage inside the Transportation Security Administration. With fewer agents available, the system is struggling to keep up with demand.

Mass resignations deepen crisis inside TSA

The shutdown has triggered a wave of resignations within the TSA, making an already difficult situation worse. According to reports, more than 480 agents have quit since funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed last month.

Officials say the number is still rising, raising concerns about how long the agency can maintain normal operations. Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill described the situation in stark terms during a recent hearing.

“This level of disruption is unprecedented and unacceptable and significantly undermines the security of US transportation systems,” McNeill said.

Despite the growing strain, most TSA workers are still required to show up.

Nearly 95% of the workforce - around 61,000 employees - are considered essential and must continue working, even though many are not being paid during the shutdown.

Political standoff fuels shutdown as pressure builds

The shutdown itself stems from a standoff over DHS funding, with Democrats vowing to block funding unless changes are made.

Their demands come after a series of controversial incidents involving ICE agents, including shootings in Minnesota that have sparked calls for reform.

Proposals include requiring marked identification for federal officers, stricter conduct rules, and greater use of judicial warrants.