ATLANTA — Transportation Security Administration workers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were initially asked to return gift cards distributed by representatives of Tyler Perry, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation, after questions arose over whether the gifts complied with federal rules.
Sources said Perry first attempted to provide cash assistance to TSA employees, who had been working without pay during the ongoing government shutdown, but officials told him federal regulations prohibit workers from accepting direct cash gifts. His team later distributed gift cards valued at $1,000 each after consulting with airport officials about alternative options.
Over the weekend, recipients were told they would need to return the gift cards following concerns raised by the airport’s federal security director, even though Perry’s representatives had coordinated the effort through management, human resources, and legal channels. Some workers had already used portions of the funds, creating complications.
A subsequent update from Perry’s representatives said TSA workers would be allowed to keep approximately $250,000 worth of the distributed gift cards.
Employees of the Transportation Security Administration have worked for more than six weeks without pay due to the shutdown, and some have reported difficulty covering basic expenses. The agency said most officers received part of their back pay on Monday.
