Story perspectives

TSA Plans Expanded Privatized Screening at U.S. Airports

9/10/2026

Summary

Trump Expands Screening

President Donald Trump’s administration announced plans to expand privatized passenger screening at U.S. airports.
TSA Administrator David Cummins said the agency will focus on an evolved Screening Partnership Program.
Critics and union leader Mac Johnson warn privatization could cause inconsistent security and be a setback.
Twenty airports have voluntarily joined, using private contractors under federal oversight.
The FY2027 budget proposal would require small airports to enroll, promising savings.

Summary

TSA Allows Water

TSA may allow PreCheck travelers to carry full water bottles through security using new CT scanners.
New CT scanners produce 3-D images and algorithms that identify water versus other liquids.
Gateside by TSA PreCheck operates at 13 airports, permitting approved non-ticketed visitors past security.
Funding shortfalls prevent a nationwide rollout of the advanced CT equipment.
PreCheck lanes will also use facial comparison.

History

Historical Context

The Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001, signed by President George W. Bush, created the Transportation Security Administration and centralized airport screening. The TSA secured a $7.5 billion budget, supervising 450 airports and hiring private firms at 20 sites by 2005, a move praised by Airport Council International. Now, under Trump administration, DHS and TSA Administrator David Cummins expand the Screening Partnership Program, urging 20 volunteer airports and mandatory enrollment for small hubs. If the FY2027 budget enforces privatization, the precedent set in 2001 may reshape national security standards, prompting industry debates and potential legal challenges.

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Trump Expands Screening

President Donald Trump’s administration announced plans to expand privatized passenger screening at U.S. airports.
TSA Administrator David Cummins said the agency will focus on an evolved Screening Partnership Program.
Critics and union leader Mac Johnson warn privatization could cause inconsistent security and be a setback.
Twenty airports have voluntarily joined, using private contractors under federal oversight.
The FY2027 budget proposal would require small airports to enroll, promising savings.

1 / 3