President Donald Trump is asking Congress to begin privatising the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), with a proposal that would cut more than 8,000 jobs and save roughly $52 million. The White House's 2027 budget plan would require smaller airports to join the TSA Screening Partnership Program, allowing private companies to provide security under the same standards as TSA officers.
The proposal aims to end government control over airport security funding and prevent shutdowns that have caused record wait times. Since the Department of Homeland Security shutdown began in February, over 500 TSA officers have quit from a workforce of about 60,000. Thousands more called out sick, leading to security wait times exceeding four hours at some airports.
Supporters, including Governor Ron DeSantis, argue privatisation would stop political battles from affecting travellers. The libertarian Cato Institute claims it would allow greater efficiency and innovation. However, the American Federation of Government Employees, representing 47,000 TSA officers, warns that safety could be compromised because contracts go to the lowest bidder. Johnny Jones, the union's secretary-treasurer, said: 'I would not personally want to fly if I knew the whole entire system was privatised.'
Before the 9/11 attacks, private firms handled airport security; TSA was created to implement more robust measures. Currently, about 20 US airports participate in the Screening Partnership Program. The proposal would require more airports to join, with the goal of reforming what the White House calls a 'troubled Federal agency'.
