Homeland Security suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs : NPR

FILE – U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, right, shakes hands with Transportation Security Administration official Monica Degro during a news conference at Harry Reid International Airport, Nov. 22, 2025, in Las Vegas.

Ronda Churchill/AP

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Ronda Churchill/AP

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs as the partial government shutdown continues.

The programs are designed to help registered travelers get through security lines more quickly. Hanging them could cause headaches for airmen.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement that “the shutdowns have serious real-world consequences.” She also said that “TSA and CBP are prioritizing the general traveling population at our airports and ports of entry and suspending courtesy and special privileges escorts.”

The partial government shutdown began Feb. 14 after Democrats and the White House failed to reach an agreement on legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats are demanding changes to immigration operations that are at the heart of President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign.

Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee criticized the decision regarding airport security.

They said on social media that the administration was “bringing to their knees programs that make travel smoother and safer” and accusing them of “intentionally ruining your trip.”