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The Transportation Security Administration announced a new strategy to replace federal screeners with private contractors in more airport security lines.

The administration announced a new strategy called Horizon 25 to accelerate public-private partnerships in airport security. This initiative aims to modernize checkpoints and enhance TSA PreCheck while replacing federal screeners with private contractors in more locations. Under President Trump, the Transportation Security Administration has already utilized private screeners in twenty US airports, including San Francisco and several regional airports in Montana. While the TSA Gold+ program sought to expand these partnerships, some airports have opted out. Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens stated that after a full evaluation, the airport will continue to use federal TSA officers instead of adopting the Gold+ model. Similarly, Charleston International Airport was scheduled to roll out Gold+ next year, but plans have changed. White House officials have noted that the privatization push is expected to save money, though critics argue it could potentially compromise aviation safety.

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