Trump admin claims TSA corruption in Shaheen husband watchlist exemption

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has raised concerns about alleged corruption within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), accusing Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of lobbying the Biden administration to have her husband, William \”Billy\” Shaheen, removed from a watchlist despite flying with a \”known or suspected terrorist.\” DHS claims that there is evidence of the politicization of TSA’s watchlisting program under the Biden administration, with documents and timelines showing the inconsistent application of security policies to benefit politically connected individuals.

According to DHS, Senator Shaheen directly lobbied former TSA administrator David Pekoske, who allegedly gave explicit direction to exclude Billy Shaheen from the Silent Partner Quiet Skies list. The Trump administration claims that Billy Shaheen received a blanket exemption from the program, despite flying with a known or suspected terrorist on multiple occasions. This exemption has since been revoked.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the program was used as a political tool to target political opponents and benefit well-connected individuals, rather than focusing on security measures. The Trump administration aims to restore the integrity and equal application of the law in aviation screening.

The program, which DHS says has yielded little security impact, was allegedly used to target political foes and benefit friends and family. Billy Shaheen was flagged as a co-traveler with a known or suspected terrorist on multiple occasions, leading to inquiries from Senator Shaheen’s office. Despite these flags, he was added to the Secure Flight Exclusion List, preventing future designations for additional screening.

Senator Shaheen, who announced she will not seek re-election in 2026, has not yet responded to the allegations. Her daughter, Stefany Shaheen, recently announced her candidacy for a House seat. The investigation into the alleged corruption within the TSA’s watchlisting program continues.

As the story develops, Fox News Digital will provide updates on this ongoing investigation. For more breaking news and political updates, stay tuned to Fox News Digital.