- DHS ends the $200M Quiet Skies Program, citing corruption and political misuse.
- Program failed to prevent any terrorist attacks since inception.
- Noem calls for a Congressional investigation into watchlist abuses under the Biden administration.
- Allegations include exemptions for political allies like William “Billy” Shaheen.
- TSA’s core aviation vetting will continue under REAL ID enforcement.
WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially terminated the controversial Quiet Skies Program, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) initiative that has cost taxpayers over $200 million without preventing a single terrorist attack, according to a statement from DHS.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem made the announcement on Thursday, calling the program “redundant” and “corrupted.”
The Quiet Skies and Silent Partner initiatives were part of a broader TSA watchlist program aimed at monitoring travelers not listed on any official terrorist databases. These individuals were flagged for enhanced surveillance based on travel patterns or vague behavioral indicators.
- Launched: 2018 under the Department of Homeland Security
- Targeted: Passengers showing “suspicious” behaviors—like sweating, using the restroom frequently, or changing clothes mid-flight
- Cost: Estimated $200 million per year
- Controversies: Allegations of political bias, favoritism toward elites, and violations of privacy and civil liberties
Noem urged Congress to initiate a formal investigation into the broader misuse of TSA’s watchlisting programs. DHS claims the misuse of authority seriously compromised national security and public trust.
TSA’s foundational vetting functions will remain intact, and DHS noted that REAL ID, implemented nationwide on May 7, 2025, will continue to enhance airport security operations.
Allegations of Political Favoritism
Among the most damning revelations is the alleged preferential treatment of William “Billy” Shaheen, the husband of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire. According to DHS, Shaheen was granted blanket exemptions from Quiet Skies review despite documented interactions with a known or suspected terrorist on three separate occasions.
Then-TSA Administrator David Pekoske reportedly gave explicit instructions to remove Shaheen from the Silent Partner watchlist after lobbying efforts by Senator Shaheen. DHS documentation suggests this exemption came directly after Senator Shaheen personally contacted Pekoske on her husband’s behalf.
Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who had previously challenged Democratic leadership, was reportedly subjected to increased screening and federal air marshal monitoring during the same period.
Expanded Exemption List Revealed
According to DHS, Shaheen was not alone. Others on the exclusion list reportedly included foreign royals, political elites, favored media figures, and professional athletes. Noem described the program as having become a “political filter” rather than a legitimate national security tool.
The DHS said it will continue to support TSA operations that uphold statutory responsibilities for passenger screening without bias. The Quiet Skies dismantling is being hailed by conservative lawmakers as a necessary reset of national security priorities.
What’s Next
Secretary Noem’s call for Congressional oversight adds new pressure on lawmakers to review internal TSA communications, potentially leading to high-profile hearings on Capitol Hill. DHS has confirmed it will cooperate fully with any Congressional investigation.
The political fallout from these revelations may shape ongoing debates about intelligence oversight, privacy protections, and the weaponization of federal institutions under previous administrations.
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