The Transportation Security Administration is exploring additional public-private partnerships as major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approach.
President Trump proposes privatizing TSA inspection services
President Donald Trump has proposed starting to privatize the Transportation Security Administration’s airport security services to save money.
The TSA’s deputy administrator suggested at a Congressional hearing that further privatizing the Transportation Security Administration’s screening functions could be a way to prevent future travel disruptions.
Ha Nguyen McNeil’s remarks were made during an April 16 hearing of the House Appropriations Committee related to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown. During the shutdown, TSA agents and other DHS employees went without paychecks on multiple occasions until the Trump administration returned them through executive order.
“As of today, TSA has been closed for 109 days, nearly 60% of fiscal year 26. If this year has shown us anything, it is that TSA employees and our operations cannot rely on predictable Congressional funding,” Gwen McNeil told the committee.
Gwen McNeil said TSA screening functions have already been privatized at some airports under the Screening Partnership Program (SPP), and participating airports are largely protected from the long security lines caused by the shutdown.
“The unwavering dedication of TSA inspection personnel to their mission has been on full display during this difficult year. Expanding the SPP is one of many steps the Trump Administration is taking to protect inspection personnel from the expiration of Congressional spending,” the Deputy Secretary said. “Until recently, TSA officers were not paid nearly $1 billion this fiscal year. In contrast, SPP screeners have yet to be paid.”
Some Republicans in Congress have long supported privatizing TSA functions, and Gwen McNeil said it would not make the agency less efficient.
“The Inspection Partnership Program, which has existed since TSA’s inception, exemplifies how collaboration with the private sector can be leveraged to optimize aviation safety. Under the SPP, TSA will contract with approved private companies to provide certified screeners to perform inspections at commercial airports,” she said. “SPP airports are required to meet or exceed the same rigorous safety standards as airports staffed by federal inspectors and are subject to strong TSA oversight.”
Still, opponents, including the Federal Government Employees Association, the union that represents TSA employees, argue that privatization would add unnecessary layers of bureaucracy and increase costs.
“TSA’s sole purpose for existing is to protect air travelers from terrorists who continue to view aviation as a viable target to wreak widespread fear and disruption,” the union said in a 2025 document. “Unlike TSA, private inspection companies are in this business to make a profit. Their primary concern is profit.”
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and can be reached at zwichter@usatoday.com.
