Department of Homeland Security Ends $200 Million Quiet Skies Program Amid Political Weaponization Concerns
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of the $200 million Quiet Skies program, citing concerns over its potential political weaponization. The initiative, which subjected some Americans to additional airport security screenings, was accused of being used as a tool to target political opponents and benefit specific individuals. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized the program as a ‘political rolodex’ for the Biden administration, urging a congressional investigation into alleged corruption that could undermine national security.
The Quiet Skies program, launched in 2010 as a terrorism prevention measure, maintained a watchlist and a list of exempt individuals, including foreign royalty, political elites, professional athletes, and favored journalists. However, the program reportedly did not prevent any terrorist attacks. Instead, DHS emphasized that it would continue using other methods to ensure the safety of air travel.
Noem’s statement highlighted the program’s alleged misuse, noting that the TSA’s role in its operations was criticized. She claimed that the Trump administration would restore TSA to its original mission of focusing on the safety and security of the traveling public, ensuring the integrity and equal application of the law for all Americans. The program had faced ongoing scrutiny from both sides of the political spectrum, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
In 2018, the ACLU had requested more information about the program from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), expressing concerns over covert surveillance of travelers. Hugh Handeyside, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU’s National Security Project, criticized the TSA for maintaining secrecy around the program, calling for greater transparency and accountability. He argued that the TSA’s use of unreliable techniques, such as ‘behavior detection,’ raised troubling questions about the agency’s practices.
The termination of the Quiet Skies program has sparked debate over the balance between national security and individual privacy. The DHS cited a specific instance involving the husband of New Hampshire Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who was removed from the program’s list after contacting the former TSA head during the Biden administration. The senator’s office confirmed that her husband had faced intense security obstacles while traveling, but was unaware of any specific list placements.
Other political figures, such as Tulsi Gabbard, have also faced scrutiny under the program. While the DHS concluded its operations, the broader implications of the program’s secrecy and potential misuse remain a contentious issue in the political landscape.