By Gloria Ogbonna
Donald Trump has taken a firm stance in the ongoing standoff over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), declaring that no agreement should move forward unless Democrats approve the Safeguarding American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.
His comments come at a time of mounting pressure in Washington as lawmakers struggle to resolve a funding lapse that is already impacting airport operations and federal workers.
During a phone conversation with Hannah Brandt of NewsNation, Trump made it clear that while Democratic lawmakers are interested in negotiating a deal to fund DHS, he believes any compromise should be contingent on the passage of the SAVE Act.
According to Brandt, Trump emphasized that election security measures outlined in the legislation must take priority over any temporary funding agreement.
The discussion also touched on Trump’s recent proposal to deploy agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to assist with airport security. When asked how long he would be willing to keep ICE agents stationed at airports, Trump responded bluntly: “For as long as it takes.”
The proposal follows his warning that if Democrats refuse to fund DHS, ICE agents could step in to perform certain security roles, including identifying and detaining individuals in the country illegally.
Brandt noted that some lawmakers have floated the idea of separately funding the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in order to ease disruptions at airports while broader DHS negotiations continue.
However, Trump suggested that his proposal to involve ICE in airport operations has shifted the political dynamic, prompting Democrats to re-engage in talks. Despite this, he reiterated that he is unwilling to support any deal that does not include the SAVE Act.
In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump doubled down on his position, sharply criticizing Democratic lawmakers and insisting that Republicans should not negotiate unless their counterparts agree to his election-focused demands.
He argued that the SAVE Act—along with provisions such as voter ID requirements, proof of citizenship for voting, limits on mail-in ballots, and paper ballot systems—is more critical than any other legislative priority currently under consideration.
BREAKING: In a phone call just minutes ago President Trump told me Democrats want to make a deal on DHS funding but he doesn’t “think any deal should be made on this until they approve save America.”
First I asked him how long he’s prepared to have ice agents help out at…
— Hannah Brandt (@HannahBrandt_TV) March 22, 2026
The funding impasse has drawn responses from Republican lawmakers as well. Ted Cruz has suggested splitting funding for border enforcement agencies like ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from the broader DHS budget in an effort to keep essential security operations running while negotiations continue.
Meanwhile, the impact of the funding lapse is increasingly visible across the country. Airports are experiencing unusually long lines, particularly as spring break travel surges. Passengers have been advised to arrive three to four hours before departure due to staffing shortages affecting TSA checkpoints.
SECURITY LINES OUT THE DOOR.
Americans are now missing their flights because of the Democrats shutdown of DHS. Their political stunt is forcing patriotic TSA officers to work without pay — leading to financial hardship, absences, and crippling staffing shortages.
Enough is… pic.twitter.com/tGQCmGkRT0
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) March 8, 2026
The situation has also taken a toll on federal workers. Since the funding lapse began on February 14, hundreds of TSA employees have reportedly left their positions, many of them experienced staff. With workers going without pay during the partial shutdown, concerns are growing about the long-term strain on airport security operations and the broader aviation system.
As the political standoff continues, Trump’s insistence on tying DHS funding to the SAVE Act has raised the stakes in an already tense debate—leaving both lawmakers and travelers watching closely to see how and when a resolution might be reached.
Source Breitbart
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