**MEMORANDUM**
**TO:** Secretary of Homeland Security
**FROM:** Director of the Office of Management and Budget
**SUBJECT:** Addressing the Impact of the DHS Shutdown
It has been nearly seven weeks since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faced a shutdown. This has affected many dedicated employees at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They are essential for protecting our borders and enforcing immigration laws. Over 35,000 workers—including Coast Guard personnel and FEMA officials—have not received their paychecks during this time, which has left many struggling to support their families.
According to a recent survey by the Federal Employees Association, about 60% of federal employees affected by the shutdown reported difficulty paying bills. This situation not only hurts workers but also jeopardizes our national security and emergency response readiness.
As President, I see this as an emergency threatening our nation’s safety. Therefore, I am directing the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, to use available funds to ensure that all DHS employees receive the compensation they are owed.
Once funding for DHS returns to normal, I expect all efforts to be made to maintain operations consistent with prior plans. This directive complies with applicable laws and existing budgetary frameworks.
This memorandum is intended to support DHS’s functions without limiting the legal authority of federal departments or agencies. It should be implemented according to the law and funding availability.
**DONALD J. TRUMP**
