The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the suspension of its TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs amid the ongoing partial government shutdown, potentially creating longer lines for travelers at airports, reports Baltimore Chronicle via Associated Press. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that “shutdowns have serious real world consequences” and added that “TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts.” The suspension is set to begin at 6 a.m. ET on Sunday.
TSA PreCheck allows pre-approved passengers to pass through expedited security lanes at US airports, reducing waiting times, while Global Entry streamlines US customs and immigration clearance for low-risk international travelers. The suspension of these programs could complicate travel plans for thousands of domestic and international passengers.
Several airlines criticized DHS for giving minimal advance notice about the suspension. Chris Sununu, CEO of Airlines for America, said the abrupt announcement leaves travelers with “little time to plan accordingly” and warned that the public is again “being used as a political football amid another government shutdown.” He urged Congress to reach a funding agreement swiftly, highlighting that a similar shutdown last year cost the travel industry and related sectors an estimated $6.1 billion.
The current partial government shutdown began on 14 February after Democrats and the White House failed to agree on DHS funding legislation. Democratic lawmakers have been pressing for reforms to immigration procedures central to President Donald Trump’s deportation initiatives.
Members of the House Committee on Homeland Security expressed strong opposition to the suspension on social media, accusing the administration of “kneecapping the programs that make travel smoother and secure” and deliberately “ruining your travel.”
Additionally, on Thursday, the Trump administration directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a DHS division, to halt the deployment of hundreds of aid workers to disaster-affected regions due to the ongoing shutdown, further raising concerns over federal services.
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