Ron DeSantis Floats Plan to Scrap TSA as Airport Delays Surge Nationwide
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing a major shift in airport security, suggesting the TSA could be eliminated as long lines and staffing issues disrupt travel.
The idea is already triggering pushback, with aviation experts warning that removing a centralized system could create new safety risks at U.S. airports.
According to News4JAX, DeSantis floated the idea on X, questioning whether the Transportation Security Administration has improved air travel safety since its creation after the September 11 attacks. He suggested airports and airlines could take over screening responsibilities instead of the federal government.
The timing adds pressure to the debate, as a government shutdown has strained TSA staffing nationwide, contributing to delays and prompting the use of other federal agents at some airports.
“Why not let the airlines and airports handle it?” DeSantis wrote on X.
Supporters argue privatized screening could improve efficiency, pointing to select U.S. airports that already use private contractors under federal oversight programs.
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Critics, however, say those examples still rely on federal standards and warn that removing TSA entirely could create uneven security practices and increase the risk of prohibited items slipping through.
Experts also note the TSA was created to address systemic failures exposed by 9/11, establishing nationwide screening protocols that may be difficult to replicate across independent operators.
For now, the proposal remains informal, with no legislation or detailed framework released by DeSantis or his office.
Whether the idea gains traction could depend on how ongoing airport disruptions shape public and political pressure in the weeks ahead.
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