MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
SUBJECT: Liberating the Department of Homeland Security From the Democrat-Caused Shutdown
It has been nearly seven weeks since Democrats initiated a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), resulting in the prevention of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel from executing their duties to safeguard the nation’s borders and uphold immigration laws. Due to this shutdown, over 35,000 employees, including Coast Guard civilians, Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel involved in disaster response preparedness, and cybersecurity experts at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, have gone nearly two months without paychecks. Consequently, thousands of DHS employees, who are vital to public safety, are facing financial hardships and struggling to support their families. This treatment of DHS staff is unacceptable and poses a risk to America’s security and emergency preparedness.
In my capacity as President of the United States, I have identified these conditions as an emergency situation that threatens national security. Therefore, I am instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, alongside the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to utilize funds that are logically connected to DHS operations. These funds should ensure that every DHS employee receives the compensation and benefits they would have earned if not for the Democrat-led shutdown, in compliance with applicable law, including 31 U.S.C. 1301(a).
Once DHS funding is reinstated, all efforts should be made, under legal authorization, to adjust DHS funding accounts to resume operations and activities according to prior budget plans.
This memorandum does not alter or affect the legal authority of any executive department or agency, or its head, nor does it affect the responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget regarding budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. Implementation of this memorandum must adhere to applicable laws and is dependent on the availability of appropriations. It does not create any enforceable rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, against the United States, its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
DONALD J. TRUMP
