‘You’re Grounded!’ Delta CEO Removes Special Privileges for Congress Members Until TSA is Funded

Democrats in Congress continue to withhold funding for DHS for the sake of illegal aliens. Since February 14, Democrats have refused to fund DHS, which includes the TSA, the Coast Guard, and FEMA. They won’t budge until they neuter ICE by making it nearly impossible to arrest and deport the illegal aliens the party favors over all Americans. This refusal to fund TSA has resulted in long airport lines plus delayed and missed flights, as agents are now skipping work because they haven’t been paid in weeks.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian has seen enough. On Tuesday, he announced that Congress is losing all the privileges they enjoy when flying with his airline until TSA is paid.

Here’s what he had to say. (WATCH)

🚨 NOW: The CEO of Delta Ed Bastian is being praised all across America for SHUTTING DOWN special privileges for members of Congress at airports while Democrats keep TSA unpaid

All airlines should follow suit.

Follow Delta's lead!pic.twitter.com/AbfIDQ4PJf
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 24, 2026

I didn’t realize members of Congress had special flying privileges. That should have NEVER been a “rule” anyway.

Members of Congress need to live like the rest of us. No more special privileges for them.
— Mike01876 (@Mikem01876) March 24, 2026

Members of Congress likely prefer that Americans remain in the dark over their political perks.

Here’s a list detailing the special treatment Congress members get when flying commercial airlines, per Google.

Booking Flexibility: Lawmakers can reserve seats on multiple flights but only pay for those they use.
Special Services: Airlines like Delta have provided dedicated telephone lines and "red coat" concierge services for scheduling changes.
Airport Perks: Free parking is guaranteed at Reagan National (DCA) and Dulles (IAD).
Security Escorts (Variable): Lawmakers have historically had access to private, expedited security screenings or escorts to the gate, though this privilege has been suspended during times of high security strain (such as government shutdowns).
Rate Perks: They often book fully refundable tickets for prices similar to lower-priced nonrefundable fares.

They’re elected officials, not royalty.

Commenters are glad that at least one airline CEO is making sure politicians experience the travel trauma Americans are currently suffering.

About damn time someone in the airline world grew a spine and said enough is enough. Those TSA folks are out here grinding without paychecks while politicians play their little games, it's straight-up wrong.
Good on Delta for yanking the special treatment from Congress members; if the rest of us have to line up like normal, so should they. This whole shutdown mess is dragging on way too long and hitting regular travelers the hardest.
Hopefully, it lights a fire under them to sort it out quickly. Props to Bastian for calling it like it is.
— Affiliate_stanley (@Stanleyade01) March 24, 2026

Politicians should never get privilege's over the American voters.
— Susan (@smsamford01) March 24, 2026

Congress has not earned and does not deserve special privileges!
— Jo112 🇺🇲 🐕🐶🐕🐶 (@Jo121325) March 24, 2026

Show them politicians they work for the people
— TheJustin (@JustinCParker3) March 24, 2026

Same line, same rules
— Cutless Supreme (@ApexByDesign) March 24, 2026

Democrats are to blame, but it’s high time that all politicians get stripped of these privileges.

Posters agree that losing special airline accommodations isn’t enough. They say Congress should not be paid during its funding battles.

Totally Agree
In addition Congress should not be paid during a shutdown nor should they receive backpay after the shutdown ends

THIS IS THEIR JOB TO PASS FUNDING FOR THE US GOVT

If this Nonsense went on in the private sector they would all be fired immediately
— Terry Foster (@fuzzyfamily1) March 24, 2026

And we should go with Sen. John Kennedy’s proposal that NO member of congress gets paid during a government shutdown. I think that’s brilliant.
— Tricia Weeks (@TriciaWeeks1036) March 24, 2026

The well-being of the American people should be incentive enough, but maybe hitting their wallets will work. Make them feel, directly and financially, the hurt they have created.

Posters say all airlines need to follow Bastian’s lead.

All airlines MUST do the same!! Great job, Delta! Bravo 👏
— Warnzkie 💫 (@warnzkielu) March 24, 2026

Hey @united @AmericanAir @SouthwestAir now we wait ur move. You got a lot of business on the line here, how will you react in this moment?

The nation is watching with baited breath.
— 🇺🇲🇺🇲BossBeardDude🇺🇲🇺🇲 (@mrmeseeks87) March 24, 2026