Trump signals support for tentative deal aimed at ending 38-day DHS shutdown standoff

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans are moving toward a “two-step” legislative approach aimed at reopening the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after a 38-day funding lapse.

Following a White House meeting late Monday, officials described a potential framework to restore funding for key operations, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), as “acceptable.”

The push comes as operational strain continues across major airports, with tens of thousands of TSA officers working without pay and staffing shortages affecting checkpoint operations nationwide.

The urgency around funding has intensified in recent days as disruptions to travel and security functions persist.

Republicans pivot to two-step funding process

The proposed plan, backed by Senators John Kennedy and Ted Cruz, would split DHS funding into two phases.

The first step would fund core operations such as TSA and the Coast Guard through a standard appropriations bill, areas where there is some bipartisan alignment.

The second step would address funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the budget reconciliation process, allowing Republicans to advance it with a simple majority.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said discussions at the White House were “constructive,” while lawmakers involved indicated the administration is open to the revised approach.

The structure is designed to move essential services forward while isolating more contested enforcement-related funding.

Democrats demand ICE reforms for support

Democrats have indicated that their support for any broader agreement will depend on changes to ICE operations.

Proposals under discussion include requirements related to agent identification, use of masks, and legal thresholds for enforcement actions inside private properties.

Administration officials have pushed back on some of these conditions, arguing that certain operational policies are already under review or implementation.

Differences over enforcement provisions remain a central obstacle as negotiations continue.

Mullin takes reins amid Noem's ouster

The funding effort comes alongside a leadership transition at DHS. The Senate confirmed Markwayne Mullin as Secretary of Homeland Security in a 54-45 vote, positioning him to take charge of the department during the ongoing shutdown.

Mullin replaces Kristi Noem, who was removed from the role earlier this month. The leadership change adds another layer to the department’s efforts to stabilize operations and navigate both the funding impasse and ongoing policy debates.

As negotiations continue, the proposed two-step plan is emerging as a possible path forward, though key disagreements over enforcement policy and funding structure remain unresolved.