TSA PreCheck Shutdown Rumors: Is TSA PreCheck Suspended Amid Government Shutdown Concerns?

Questions are surging nationwide about whether TSA PreCheck suspended status is real, whether a TSA shutdown is happening, and if Global Entry TSA PreCheck shutdown reports are accurate. Travelers are also asking: is TSA PreCheck shut down, is TSA PreCheck suspended, and is CLEAR affected by TSA shutdown?

As of Monday, February 23, 2026 (ET), there is no confirmed nationwide suspension of TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR services. However, concerns are tied to broader federal budget negotiations and potential government shutdown scenarios involving the Department of Homeland Security.

Is TSA PreCheck Suspended?

At this time, TSA PreCheck is not suspended nationwide. The Transportation Security Administration — Transportation Security Administration — continues standard checkpoint operations at U.S. airports.

However, confusion is spreading online due to ongoing federal funding debates that raise the possibility of disruptions if a full government shutdown occurs. Historically, during shutdowns:

• TSA officers continue working as “essential personnel.”

• Screening lanes, including TSA PreCheck, remain operational.

• Enrollment centers may temporarily pause new interviews or appointments.

There is currently no announcement confirming a blanket “PreCheck suspended” action.

TSA PreCheck Homeland Security Oversight

The TSA operates under the Department of Homeland Security, which also oversees Global Entry TSA PreCheck and related Trusted Traveler Programs.

If a funding lapse were to occur:

• Airport screening would continue.

• Some administrative functions could slow.

• Enrollment processing timelines might lengthen.

Searches for “DHS suspends TSA PreCheck” and “TSA suspending PreCheck” are trending, but no formal suspension order has been issued.

Global Entry Suspension: Is It Happening?

Travelers are also asking whether there is a Global Entry suspension or whether Global Entry TSA PreCheck benefits are being revoked.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection administers Global Entry. Like TSA, CBP employees are considered essential in many roles during shutdown scenarios.

As of now:

• Global Entry kiosks at airports remain active.

• TSA PreCheck benefits tied to Global Entry memberships are still valid.

• Enrollment interview scheduling could be impacted if staffing is reduced.

No nationwide Global Entry suspension has been announced.

TSA Shutdown: What Would Happen?

The phrase TSA shutdown typically refers to a broader government shutdown, not the agency independently closing.

In previous federal shutdowns:

So while the term “TSA PreCheck shutdown” is circulating, historically that has not meant airport fast-lane screening disappears.

Is CLEAR Suspended or Affected?

Many travelers are also asking: is CLEAR suspended and is CLEAR affected by TSA shutdown?

CLEAR Secure is a private biometric identity company that operates independently from federal funding. CLEAR lanes function in partnership with TSA but are not federally funded in the same way.

If a federal shutdown occurs:

• CLEAR membership remains active.

• CLEAR lanes operate as long as TSA checkpoint screening remains operational.

• Travelers would still proceed to TSA screening after identity verification.

There is currently no indication that CLEAR services are being suspended.

Why “PreCheck Suspended” Is Trending

Several factors are driving the spike in searches:

• Ongoing federal budget negotiations.

• Misinformation circulating on social media.

• Confusion between enrollment services and airport screening.

• Localized staffing shortages at certain airports.

Search terms including “TSA Pre Check suspended,” “TSA PreCheck Homeland Security,” and “is TSA PreCheck shut down” reflect broader anxiety rather than confirmed operational changes.

What Travelers Should Do Now

If you have upcoming travel:

• Check your airline’s app for real-time updates.

• Monitor official TSA and DHS alerts.

• Arrive early if uncertainty continues.

• Keep your Known Traveler Number handy in case systems experience delays.

As of this morning (ET), TSA PreCheck Global Entry services remain active, and there is no nationwide suspension of PreCheck lanes at U.S. airports.

Travelers should continue monitoring official announcements from the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security for any updates tied to federal funding developments.

For now, despite trending rumors of a TSA PreCheck shutdown, airport security operations — including PreCheck — are still running.