White House rejects Elon Musk's 'generous' offer to fund TSA salaries amid DHS shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House has turned down an offer from Tesla CEO Elon Musk to cover the salaries of TSA workers during the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, citing legal concerns. 

The shutdown has stretched for over a month, leaving tens of thousands of airport security agents working without pay. Musk stepped in on Saturday, March 21, offering to fund the wages of TSA staff. But the White House ultimately rejected the funds.

White House responds to Musk's offer to fund TSA salaries amid DHS shutdown

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of social media platform X, and currently the world’s richest person, offered on Saturday to pay TSA workers’ salaries during the government funding gap.

“I would like to offer to pay the salaries of TSA personnel during this funding impasse that is negatively affecting the lives of so many Americans at airports throughout the country,” he wrote on X.

In response, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said that while the administration appreciates Elon Musk’s offer, it cannot accept the same due to legal issues involving his federal government contracts.

"We greatly appreciate Elon’s generous offer. This would pose great legal challenges due to his involvement with federal government contracts."

She added that the quickest way for TSA and other DHS employees to get paid is for Congress to fund the Department of Homeland Security.

"The fastest way to ensure TSA employees — and all DHS employees — get paid is for Democrats to fund the Department of Homeland Security."

The Washington Post reported that Musk and his companies have received at least $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies, and tax credits over the years. DHS officials told lawmakers that over 480 airport screeners have quit since the shutdown began, and the agency could lose $1 billion in missed paychecks by the end of this week.

If the government had accepted Musk’s money, it wouldn’t have been the first time a billionaire helped cover federal paychecks. During the 43-day government shutdown under President Trump, Timothy Mellon, heir to the Mellon banking family, donated $130 million to pay military salaries.

Trump praises Elon Musk's offer to pay TSA workers

President Trump said on Monday, March 23, that he would “love it” if Musk stepped in. “I think it’s great, let him do that,” Trump told reporters. “And I want to thank ICE because they said so, so strongly, they’ll do great.”

Lawmakers also praised Musk’s offer. Rep Mike Collins called Musk a “great American” and thanked him publicly. Sen John Fetterman described the move as “incredibly generous” and noted that many TSA agents are relying on food pantries and community help to get by.

He added that he is the only Democrat who voted with Republicans to fully fund DHS, saying, “It should never come to this point.”