Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks to reporters outside the chamber after passing a measure by unanimous consent that would fund most of the Department of Homeland Security, if the House agrees, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, April 2, 2026.
President Donald Trump says he'll soon sign an order to pay all Department of Homeland Security employees who have gone without paychecks during the partial government shutdown that has reached 48 days. He announced the unilateral move in a social media post Thursday. He's blaming Democrats for the impasse while thanking Republican leaders for their work this week in trying to end the standoff. The Republican president used a similar maneuver to resume pay for the Transportation Security Administration. Trump’s latest intervention is expected to apply to other non-law enforcement employees at the department, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard and support staff.
President Donald Trump's efforts to exit the war in Iran are causing tension within the Republican Party. His approach, marked by threats followed by a shaky ceasefire, has sparked criticism from some conservatives. Laura Loomer, a conservative activist, opposes negotiating with Iran, while former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has called for Trump's removal. Despite social media backlash, Republican leaders in Congress remain mostly silent. The GOP faces uncertainty as midterm elections approach, with concerns about Trump's handling of the situation and its impact on voters. Rising gas prices and potential military involvement add to the challenges.