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Trump Pushes Private Airport Screening, Cuts 5,000 TSA Jobs

5/21/2026

23 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump proposes mandatory private screening at small U.S. airports, expanding the Screening Partnership Program from about 20 to hundreds.
The plan projects cuts of roughly 4,500 TSA positions and nearly 5,000 jobs, funded by $477 million.
Union leader Everett Kelley warns that privatized screening has historically caused security shortcomings and would eliminate collective-bargaining rights for workers.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump proposes mandatory private screening at small U.S. airports, expanding the Screening Partnership Program from about 20 to hundreds.
The plan projects cuts of roughly 4,500 TSA positions and nearly 5,000 jobs, funded by $477 million.
Union leader Everett Kelley warns that privatized screening has historically caused security shortcomings and would eliminate collective-bargaining rights for workers.