TSA PreCheck Suspension Reversed
The Department of Homeland Security reversed its decision to suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry after initial confusion. Both programs will continue operating despite earlier reports of suspension due to government shutdown pressures. This means expedited airport security and re-entry options remain available for eligible travelers.
- The initial suspension of both programs was announced late Saturday evening by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, with the shutdown slated to begin at 6 a.m. Eastern Time on Sunday. The reversal for TSA PreCheck was then announced on Sunday morning. - The decision to reverse the TSA PreCheck suspension came after conversations between the Secretary of Homeland Security, the White House, and the TSA. However, the suspension of the Global Entry program, which expedites re-entry for pre-approved international travelers, remained in effect. - The temporary suspension was attributed to staffing constraints caused by a partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security. The shutdown began on February 14 after lawmakers could not agree on a funding bill, with disagreements centered on immigration enforcement policies. - The abrupt announcement and reversal caused confusion, with some airports reporting temporary TSA PreCheck closures on Sunday morning before being advised they could remain open if staffing allowed. - Several industry groups and politicians criticized the initial decision, with some accusing the administration of using travelers as a "political football" and "purposely punishing the American people." - TSA PreCheck has approximately 20 million enrolled members, while Global Entry is used by over 10 million travelers. Both programs are funded by user fees. - This partial shutdown is the second to occur in 2026, both stemming from disputes over federal immigration enforcement. Unlike previous full government shutdowns where the programs were not formally suspended, this was the first time a nationwide suspension of this nature was announced.
