Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers operate checkpoints at most U.S. airports, but changes are proposed under the Trump administration’s initiative, TSA Gold+. This program aims to increase private involvement in airport security.
TSA Gold+ represents a shift in management. Private companies would take on a larger role compared to previous decades. An industry day is planned at the TSA’s Springfield, Virginia headquarters to explore this public-private partnership.
The TSA currently oversees the Screening Partnership Program (SPP), where 20 airports already use private screeners instead of federal employees. TSA Gold+ is described as transformative by the agency, allowing airports to customize security systems and potentially mitigate staffing issues like those experienced during the recent funding shutdown.
Equipment management would become the responsibility of contractors, unlike the current SPP setup. TSA would maintain oversight, ensuring airports enjoy a seamless and personalized security experience. Technologies such as artificial intelligence could be introduced under this program, although specific plans for reducing wait times remain unspecified.
Several airports, including San Francisco and Kansas City, use private screeners under the SPP program. Smaller airports are involved as well. Privatization has garnered interest from President Trump and Republicans, reflected in the Project 2025 handbook proposing private control in airport security.
Bipartisan interest in privatization is emerging, evidenced by Atlanta’s exploration of the SPP program. Rep. Andrew Garbarino highlighted this interest during a TSA Modernization hearing.
However, Everett Kelley from the American Federation of Government Employees opposes further privatization. He warned of reduced accountability and transparency, noting that contract workers could earn less and lack security clearances compared to TSA officers.
The White House budget plans to save $52 million through privatization efforts, including mandating small airports to join the SPP. Officials urge that airport choice remains crucial.
Chris McLaughlin, CEO of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, emphasized the importance of options, citing the SPP’s 25-year history of effective service and security. Maintaining safe systems while offering choice is a priority.
The TSA Gold+ program resonates with the Trump administration’s vision for a “golden age of travel”. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced $970 million in funding aimed at enhancing passenger experiences at airports, supported by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
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