On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security highlighted concerns about potential “corruption” within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). They specifically mentioned New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, alleging she lobbied the Biden administration and successfully helped her husband bypass the watchlist, despite his travels with individuals identified as “known or suspected terrorists.”
The DHS noted in a statement that William “Billy” Shaheen, the senator’s husband, had flown three times with such individuals over the past year. The Trump administration accused the Biden administration of politicizing the TSA’s watchlist program, claiming they uncovered documents and communications that reveal a lack of proper oversight. According to them, this situation has allowed those connected politically to benefit while compromising safety protocols for the general public.
They alleged that Senator Shaheen directly engaged with former TSA administrator David Pekoske, who reportedly received instructions to remove her husband from the watchlist. Fox News Digital reached out for comments, but Senator Shaheen’s office did not respond to the allegations.
Separately, Gabbard has voiced her frustrations regarding perceived politically driven surveillance, especially following criticisms of Vice President Harris. The DHS pointed out that Billy Shaheen received a specific exemption from the TSA watchlist, even though he was flying with questionable companions — a stark contrast to the treatment of many Americans who found themselves unjustly flagged.
Former President Trump criticized Gabbard as he proposed changes during his second term. The Trump administration contended that Billy Shaheen was not the only prominent individual benefiting from such exemptions.
The DHS confirmed that his exemption had recently been revoked. They asserted that the program, initially meant to promote equitable security measures, has devolved into a politically charged tool for the current administration to target opponents while favoring friends and allies.
Earlier, the DHS had stated that the surveillance program bore little fruit in enhancing security while it burdened the average traveler. Notably, records showed that Billy Shaheen was flagged during a flight from Boston to Washington in July 2023. The TSA faced scrutiny after the senator’s office called for an investigation about screenings pertaining to her husband.
He was again noted on the watchlist in October 2023, prompting further discussions between Senator Shaheen and Pekoske regarding his status.
The DHS pointed out that there was insufficient transparency from the TSA concerning surveillance practices. In late October 2023, assistant administrator Nancy Nykamp approved adding Billy Shaheen to a specific exclusion list, effectively barring him from future TSA screenings based on randomized and designated criteria. He remained on this list for a year and a half before the new administration removed him.
Senator Shaheen, a prominent member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, declared in March that she wouldn’t seek reelection in 2026. However, her daughter, Stephanie Shaheen, recently announced her intention to run for a significant House seat.
