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Talk about a Hollywood ending.
Tyler Perry’s massive cash lifeline to struggling TSA workers is finally cleared for takeoff.
The media mogul dropped a jaw-dropping $250,000 in $1,000 gift cards to help Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport security agents who had been working nearly six weeks without a paycheck during the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
Many of these workers were scrambling to afford groceries, gas and even keep a roof over their heads.
Then came the drama. At first, workers were told they couldn’t accept the generous gifts due to federal rules. Some agents had already spent the money when supervisors suddenly ordered the cards returned, triggering confusion and anger across the airport.
But now, in a stunning turnaround, Perry’s team has told 11Alive that the green light has officially been given.
According to a spokesperson, DHS and TSA legal officials confirmed the situation is “resolved,” meaning workers can keep the money — no strings attached.
Roughly 100 employees had already handed back their physical cards, most of them drained of funds. Those cards will now be returned as keepsakes — souvenirs from what many are calling a moment of real-life heroism.
Inside the airport, Perry’s impact was immediate. Sources told the outlet that morale skyrocketed as exhausted agents powered through massive security lines that at times stretched outside the terminal.
One TSA worker even dubbed him a “modern-day Robin Hood.”
The whole saga started with Perry showing up in person, ready to hand out cash. When told that wasn’t allowed, he pivoted — fast — returning the next day with gift cards after reportedly getting approval through through management, human resources and legal channels.
The cards were handed to TSA leadership for distribution, but that’s when things went sideways.
The airport’s federal security director raised concerns about the giveaway, and workers were later contacted and told they must return the gift cards.
But now, it looks like a solution has finally been reached, with officials reversing course and giving TSA workers the all-clear to keep them.
TSA workers have now received two full paychecks after a last-ditch move by President Trump to get agents paid.
But, the DHS shutdown is now the longest partial government shutdown in US history and lawmakers on Capitol Hill are on Spring Break.
The House of Representatives isn’t due to return until April 13, and the Senate the following day.
For now, though, at least one crisis has a feel-good ending.
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