Noem visits Tampa airport to give TSA officers $10,000 bonus checks

Ashley Borja, Tampa Bay Times on Dec 8, 2025

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TAMPA, Fla. — Sixteen U.S. Transportation Security Administration officers at Tampa International Airport were awarded $10,000 bonuses Monday from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for their service during the government shutdown.

Not every officer at the airport received the stipend. The funds were distributed only to those nominated by supervisors and leadership.

“It’s not just based on one factor or another,” Noem said at a news conference at the airport. “It’s for individuals who continue to show up — fulfilled their shifts, but also did other things to help through the shutdown that helped the entire team be successful.”

A group of security officers stood alongside Noem, each commended for their work. Nominations for bonuses are still open, according to Noem.

Not everyone has expressed support. Noem was asked about a Transportation Security Administration union leader in Minnesota who called such bonuses unfair.

“Those individuals sound like the Grinch,” Noem said. “They should be happy when other people get rewarded for doing good work.”