DHS reverses TSA PreCheck suspension after overnight announcement rollback

The Department of Homeland Security reversed an earlier order to suspend TSA PreCheck after announcing the pause late Saturday, saying the expedited screening program “remains operational” as of Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. The reversal followed an initial DHS notice that had said TSA PreCheck and Global Entry would be suspended and that personnel would be refocused to serve the wider traveling public amid a partial government funding lapse that began Feb. 14.

The initial DHS messaging, which several outlets reported would take effect at 6 a.m. ET on Sunday, prompted airlines to alert customers that travelers “may have to use standard TSA entry instead” as they adjusted operations. About four hours after the suspension was to have begun, a TSA spokesperson issued a statement: “PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public. As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case-by-case basis and adjust operations accordingly.” DHS subsequently updated its announcement to reflect that change.

The disposition of Global Entry, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that expedites customs and immigration clearance, remained unclear in the immediate aftermath. CBP did not respond to requests for confirmation in multiple reports, and news organizations characterized Global Entry as apparently suspended based on the department’s initial announcement but without agency confirmation of a final status.

The reversal exposed operational and political strain at an agency navigating a partial shutdown and a severe winter storm that has already disrupted travel. ABC News reported more than 5,000 flight cancellations amid the storm, a disruption industry officials said magnified the consequences of the abrupt announcement. DHS also said it would suspend courtesy and special privilege escorts at airports for lawmakers and halt non-disaster-related FEMA response efforts, measures officials framed as prioritizing resources for the majority of travelers.

Industry and political reactions were swift. Chris Sununu, speaking for Airlines for America, criticized the short notice, saying, “The announcement was issued with extremely short notice to travelers, giving them little time to plan accordingly, which is especially troubling at this time of record air travel.” A Reuters-cited commentator identified only as Freeman welcomed the reversal on PreCheck and noted the programs are financed by user fees: “We are glad that DHS has decided to keep PreCheck operational and avoid a crisis of its own making … they are funded by user fees, and there is no reason at this time for them to be suspended.”

Democratic leaders framed the episode as punitive. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said, “Everyone knows Donald Trump and DHS use bullying tactics - this is another one of them.” A separate ABC News excerpt attributed a forceful statement to a figure identified only as Johnson that accused DHS and the administration of “purposely punishing the American people and using them as pawns for their sadistic political games.”

Operationally, TSA’s caveat that it will make adjustments “on a case-by-case basis” leaves room for localized disruptions as staffing constraints ebb and flow. Reporters noted DHS declined to suspend either program during last year’s 43-day shutdown, underscoring the unusual timing of the announcement just weeks before the spring travel season.

The episode highlights immediate questions for travelers and longer term concerns about transparency and contingency planning when government funding lapses intersect with peak travel periods and extreme weather. Journalists and officials have identified follow-ups needed, including a direct CBP confirmation on Global Entry, a full archived timeline and text of DHS’s initial notice and update, and details from TSA on whether any checkpoints temporarily altered PreCheck operations.