The Trump administration is ending a contentious TSA surveillance program that cost taxpayers $200 million annually but failed to thwart a single terrorist attack.
At a Glance
- The TSA’s “Quiet Skies” program, a domestic surveillance initiative created in 2010, is being terminated by the Trump administration
- The program cost taxpayers $200 million annually and never prevented a terrorist attack
- Evidence suggests the program was politicized, with critics saying it targeted political opponents while exempting allies
- Secretary Kristi Noem has called for a Congressional investigation into the program’s alleged corruption
- TSA will maintain its core aviation security functions while ensuring equal application of the law
A Surveillance Program Under Scrutiny
The Transportation Security Administration’s “Quiet Skies” program, which has operated since 2010, is being discontinued by the Trump administration after years of controversy. The program used analysts and undercover air marshals to monitor travelers through various surveillance methods, including facial recognition and travel pattern analysis. Despite its extensive scope and significant cost to taxpayers, the program faced mounting criticism for targeting American citizens not suspected of crimes and for its lack of transparency regarding how individuals were added to or removed from watchlists.
“The Trump administration is preparing to end a federal domestic surveillance program for travelers that’s meant to ferret out terrorist threats but has sometimes ended up saddling Americans with inconvenient or invasive searches at U.S. airports.”, reported CBS News.
In 2018, the program expanded to include more extensive surveillance by air marshals, intensifying concerns about civil liberties and government overreach. Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) demanded greater transparency from the TSA about the program’s implementation and its impact on privacy. The program’s broad surveillance capabilities and lack of accountability contributed to growing public and political pressure for reform.
High Cost, Low Return
One of the most compelling reasons for the program’s termination was its enormous cost compared to its effectiveness. Costing American taxpayers approximately $200 million annually, the Quiet Skies program failed to prevent a single terrorist attack during its existence. This fiscal inefficiency became increasingly difficult to justify, especially as evidence emerged suggesting the program may have been diverted from its stated security mission to serve political purposes.
“It is clear that the Quiet Skies program was used as a political rolodex of the Biden Administration—weaponized against its political foes and exploited to benefit their well-heeled friends. I am calling for a Congressional investigation to unearth further corruption at the expense of the American people and the undermining of US national security.”, said Secretary Kristi Noem.
High-profile individuals, including former presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard, were reportedly affected by the program, leading to debates about fairness in its application. Meanwhile, investigations by the Department of Homeland Security and TSA revealed inconsistent application of the program, with evidence suggesting politically aligned individuals received preferential treatment. This dual standard raised serious questions about whether the program was truly serving its intended national security purpose.
Political Favoritism and Double Standards
DHS investigations uncovered troubling evidence that the program maintained both a watchlist and a separate list of exempt individuals. Among those reportedly receiving exemptions from review despite security concerns was William “Billy” Shaheen, suggesting political connections may have influenced security protocols. The program’s exclusion list allegedly included foreign royals, political elites, athletes, and journalists, creating what critics describe as a two-tiered system of security screening.
Secretary Kristi Noem has been particularly vocal in her criticism, accusing the previous administration of using the program as a political tool rather than a security measure. Her call for a Congressional investigation signals a determination to uncover the full extent of potential corruption within the program. This move aligns with broader efforts to restore trust in government institutions by ensuring they operate without political bias.
A Return to Core Security Functions
Despite ending the Quiet Skies program, the Trump administration has emphasized that TSA will continue its essential vetting functions for legitimate aviation security threats. The implementation of REAL ID will enhance security measures while respecting citizens’ rights. This approach aims to refocus TSA on its core mission of ensuring the safety and security of travelers, with a renewed commitment to integrity and equal application of the law.
Moving forward, DHS plans to maintain TSA’s fundamental aviation and security vetting functions while ensuring privacy protections and constitutional rights are respected. This reform represents a significant shift in how domestic aviation security is managed, prioritizing both effectiveness and fairness. For American travelers, the end of Quiet Skies may mean less intrusive surveillance while still maintaining necessary security protocols to keep the skies safe.
