DHS Reverses Decision to Suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry

The agency had planned to redirect staff to assist the broader traveling public amid a winter storm.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security has abruptly reversed a decision to temporarily suspend the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck and Global Entry programs due to a lapse in funding. The initial plan called for DHS personnel assigned to these programs to be redirected to assist the broader traveling public, as travelers braced for longer lines to clear security. However, the TSA later said that PreCheck will remain operational with no change for the traveling public.

Why it matters

The suspension of these expedited security programs would have caused significant disruptions for pre-vetted domestic and international travelers, especially during the busy spring break travel season. The reversal of the decision avoids further inconvenience for travelers and maintains the efficiency of the PreCheck and Global Entry programs.

The details

The Department of Homeland Security initially announced the suspension of the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs, citing a lapse in funding. This would have resulted in DHS personnel being redirected to assist the broader traveling public. However, the TSA later said that PreCheck will remain operational, and that the agency will evaluate staffing constraints on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly. The decision to suspend the programs was quickly reversed after facing backlash from lawmakers and the travel industry.

  • The suspension order was announced by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on Sunday morning.
  • The reversal of the decision was announced less than a day after the initial suspension order.

The players

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who initially announced the suspension of the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs.

Bennie Thompson

The ranking member on the House Homeland Security Committee who criticized the decision to suspend the programs, calling it a "purposeful punishment" of the American people.

U.S. Travel

A non-profit organization representing the nation's travel industry that expressed disappointment and criticized the move to suspend the programs.

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What they’re saying

“Travelers should be prioritized, not leveraged. Travel is the gateway to the American economy and Americans should not have their mobility, security or travel experience diminished because elected leaders fail to resolve their differences.”

— U.S. Travel (X)

“This is Trump and Kristi Noem purposely punishing the American people and using them as pawns for their sadistic political games. TSA PreCheck and Global Entry REDUCE airport lines and ease the burden on DHS staff who are working without pay because of Trump's abuse of the Department and killing of American citizens.”

— Bennie Thompson, Ranking Member, House Homeland Security Committee (Statement)

What’s next

The TSA will continue to evaluate staffing constraints on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly to maintain the PreCheck and Global Entry programs for travelers.

The takeaway

The reversal of the decision to suspend the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs avoids significant disruptions for pre-vetted travelers and demonstrates the importance of these expedited security programs, especially during peak travel seasons.