The suspension of operations at the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has already cost the country $2.5 billion, according to a statement posted on the White House's X page.

"More than 400 TSA (Transportation Security Administration) employees have been fired. $2.5 billion lost. Chaos reigns at airports, and Americans are suffering the consequences. All because of Democratic political games," the White House statement reads. The US administration called on its political opponents from the Democratic Party in Congress to immediately support DHS funding.

On March 22, US President Donald Trump stated that due to the shortage of TSA staff, ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers would be brought in to ensure security at American airports starting March 23.

The Transportation Security Administration is part of the DHS. It was established in 2001 following the September 11 attacks and is responsible, among other things, for airport security.