DHS Suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry Amid Shutdown

Trusted-traveler programs halted as DHS focuses on general public at airports and ports of entry.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security is temporarily suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry trusted-traveler programs amid the ongoing partial government shutdown. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem cited the need to focus DHS resources on the general traveling public at airports and ports of entry, saying "Shutdowns have serious real-world consequences" for national security. The suspension marks a significant escalation in how the shutdown is impacting travelers, effectively dismantling expedited security and customs processing relied on by millions of frequent flyers and international passengers.

Why it matters

The suspension of these popular trusted-traveler programs will likely lead to increased wait times and disruptions at airports and border crossings, as millions of vetted passengers are forced to use standard security screening. This comes as the partial DHS shutdown has already strained resources, with essential employees working without pay. The move highlights the broader political tensions and policy disputes that have led to the shutdown, with Democrats and Republicans at odds over immigration enforcement.

The details

The suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry is effective starting Sunday, February 23rd at 6am ET. Enrolled travelers will now have to use standard security screening lanes at US airports, while international passengers returning or entering the US through Global Entry will likely face longer wait times at customs and passport control. DHS has not provided details on when the programs may be restored.

  • The suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry is effective starting Sunday, February 23rd at 6am ET.
  • The partial government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security began in late 2025 after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement.

The players

Kristi Noem

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

TSA

The Transportation Security Administration, which operates the TSA PreCheck trusted-traveler program.

CBP

Customs and Border Protection, which operates the Global Entry trusted-traveler program.

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What they’re saying

“Shutdowns have serious real-world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS and their families who go without a paycheck, but it endangers our national security.”

— Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary (CNN)

“The American people depend on this department every day, and we are making tough but necessary workforce and resource decisions to mitigate the damage inflicted by these politicians.”

— Kristi Noem, DHS Secretary (CNN)

What’s next

DHS has not provided details on when the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs may be restored, as the partial government shutdown affecting the agency continues.

The takeaway

The suspension of these trusted-traveler programs underscores the real-world impacts the ongoing DHS shutdown is having on the traveling public, as political disputes in Washington lead to disruptions in critical homeland security services. This highlights the need for a swift resolution to the budget impasse to restore normal airport and border operations.