After facing a roadblock regarding giving cash directly to TSA agents during a Department of Homeland Security shutdown, Tyler Perry found an alternative solution.
The 56-year-old filmmaker returned to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday, presenting $1,000 gift cards—totalling $250,000—to 250 TSA employees.
Perry’s original plan to hand out cash was disrupted by a federal regulation that prevents on-duty TSA officers from accepting gifts.
In response, the billionaire opted to distribute Visa gift cards, which offer essential support to workers affected by the ongoing shutdown, as many have gone without pay for six weeks.
Georgia TSA Commissioner Aaron Barker noted, “We went through the legal process with TSA.”
According to those involved, the gift cards brought relief, with many TSA staff expressing their appreciation for the unexpected assistance during a challenging time.
Even though Perry’s initial goal of giving cash didn’t pan out, he took the opportunity to engage with personnel, capture photos, and express thanks for their continued service amid the crisis—this alone helped boost morale.
Notably, security wait times at the Atlanta airport have surged, with some travelers facing up to five-hour delays.
A DHS spokesperson reiterated that TSA employees are prohibited from accepting gifts at screening points, but noted that donations can go through worker organizations for distribution.
Perry had previously contributed $1.5 million during a prior government shutdown to support families facing cuts to their SNAP benefits.
The situation in Washington remains precarious as House Republicans advanced a temporary funding measure for DHS, rejecting a Senate bill that lacked immigration enforcement provisions. This legislative move may extend the partial government shutdown by another six weeks.
In a related development, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday that could allow DHS to start compensating TSA workers, potentially alleviating some of the long security lines at airports. According to a DHS representative, TSA employees may receive their pay as early as March 30.
In the meantime, Perry’s timely intervention provided some immediate aid to those waiting for a more permanent resolution from Washington.
