Tyler Perry, the billionaire media mogul and Atlanta resident, has successfully implemented a $250,000 workaround to provide financial relief to unpaid Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This move follows an initial attempt by Perry to hand out cash directly to agents, which was blocked by federal regulations.
The donation comes as the partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enters its 42nd day. The impasse, which began on February 14, 2026, has left approximately 100,000 DHS employees without pay, marking it as the longest shutdown in United States history.
According to representatives for Perry, the $250,000 was converted into gift cards to bypass strict federal ethics rules. While agents are prohibited from accepting cash or personal gifts while on duty, donations made through union representatives are permissible.
Perry visited the airport on Thursday and Friday to meet with staff and express his gratitude for their continued service during the fiscal crisis. Witnesses reported that his presence and the subsequent financial aid provided a significant boost to morale at the world’s busiest airport.
The shutdown has severely impacted operations at Hartsfield-Jackson, where security wait times have occasionally exceeded five hours. Some TSA officers have reportedly resorted to extreme measures, including selling plasma or sleeping in vehicles, to manage the loss of six weeks of income.
On Friday, President Donald Trump signed an executive action utilizing funds from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to ensure TSA employees receive their back pay. Despite this action, the broader DHS shutdown remains unresolved as Congress began a two-week recess following a legislative deadlock.
The House of Representatives passed a 60-day funding measure late Friday night, but Senate leadership has declared the bill dead on arrival. Disagreements over immigration enforcement reforms and border security funding continue to prevent a full restoration of the department's operations.
Perry has a documented history of providing local aid during federal disruptions. In 2025, he reportedly donated $1.5 million to Atlanta-based organizations to support families affected by a previous lapse in government services.
As of Saturday, the federal government remains partially closed. The situation in Atlanta continues to highlight the role of private philanthropy during the ongoing political stalemate in Washington.