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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is suspending TSA PreCheck and Global Entry as a partial government shutdown enters its second week, a decision expected to slow airport security lines nationwide and disrupt travel for millions of registered fliers.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement that the move reflects the mounting operational strain caused by the shutdown, which began Feb. 14 after Congress failed to pass legislation funding the department.
“Shutdowns have serious real-world consequences,” Noem said. “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 halts expedited screening and entry benefits for travelers who paid fees and underwent background checks to access shorter security lines and faster customs processing.
Travel impact grows as shutdown continues
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are designed to reduce congestion and improve security efficiency at airports and border crossings. Their suspension is expected to increase wait times at security checkpoints and customs halls, particularly during the busy spring travel season.
The partial shutdown affects DHS agencies including the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection, though most frontline employees are required to continue working without pay.
The shutdown stems from a stalemate between congressional Democrats and the White House over funding for DHS. Democrats have pushed for changes to immigration enforcement practices that are central to President Donald Trump’s deportation agenda, while the administration has rejected those demands.
Democrats accuse administration of weaponizing travel
Democrats on the House Committee on Homeland Security blasted the decision, accusing the administration of deliberately targeting travelers to apply political pressure.
“The Trump administration is kneecapping the programs that make travel smoother and more secure,” committee Democrats said in a social media post. “They’re ruining your travel on purpose.”
The criticism reflects broader Democratic frustration with the administration’s approach to shutdown-related disruptions, which they argue are being used as leverage in negotiations.
Airlines warn of chaos and short notice
Airlines and the travel industry also expressed alarm, saying the suspension could ripple across the aviation system.
Airlines for America, which represents major U.S. carriers, said it was “deeply concerned” that travelers were again being caught in the crossfire of a government shutdown.
“It’s past time for Congress to get to the table and get a deal done,” the group said in a statement. The organization also criticized the timing of the announcement, noting it was issued late Saturday with little warning.
“This was released with extremely short notice, giving travelers little time to plan accordingly,” the statement said.
No timeline for restoration
DHS has not provided a timeline for when TSA PreCheck and Global Entry will be reinstated, saying the programs will remain suspended until funding is restored.
For now, travelers enrolled in the programs are being directed to proceed through standard security and customs lines.
With negotiations stalled and no clear end to the shutdown in sight, airport delays are likely to worsen — further underscoring the political and practical costs of the impasse.
