Tyler Perry was seen trying to give a “significant” amount of money to Transportation Security Administration workers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, sources tell 11Alive.
The TV and movie mogul intended to hand out large amounts of money to TSA agents who haven’t been paid in weeks. But TSA workers are not allowed to accept cash, 11Alive reported.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson stated that TSA officers are prohibited from accepting gifts at screening locations, according to the Associated Press.
Tyler spent time talking to TSA workers and thanked them for their service.
This isn’t the first time Tyler flexed his philanthropic muscles. In 2025, the billionaire director donated $1.5 million to Atlanta groups to help families who didn’t receive SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.
As the government shutdown stretches on and TSA workers approach more than a month without pay, Tyler Perry reportedly showed up at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport prepared to help in a major way.
Sources say he intended to hand out a significant amount of money to ease some of the… pic.twitter.com/Jc36Crhnfh
— EBONY (@EBONY) March 27, 2026
The partial government shutdown may end soon
Shortly after 2 a.m. Friday morning, senators agreed to approve funding for Homeland Security, including TSA workers. The funding will last until the end of the fiscal year. The legislation will now move to the House where it is expected to pass.
Democrats had refused to fund Homeland Security while demanding changes to a proposed bill that would require documented proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in elections.
On Thursday, President Trump said he would sign an emergency order to pay TSA workers.
“It is not an easy thing to do, but I am going to do it!” the president wrote in a post on his Truth Social app.
Trump said he wanted to quickly stop the chaos and long lines at the nation’s airports. But the Senate’s early morning vote on Friday will likely put an end to the partial government shutdown.
Meanwhile, TMZ asked viewers to take photos of Congress members on vacation during the government shutdown.
“If you spot a member of Congress vacationing in the next 2 weeks, please send it to us. We’ll post on our website, social and our TV shows,” TMZ tweeted on Thursday.
? ATTN: While TSA workers are wondering how they will pay their bills, Congress members will be vacationing for spring break.
So we need YOU to take action and photograph them living their best life. Send it to TMZ so we can properly put them on BLAST. pic.twitter.com/kp5FqlyDu7
— TMZ (@TMZ) March 26, 2026
