The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) has been taken off the TSA watch list, a change attributed to her husband, William “Billy” Shaheen.
The DHS press release highlighted issues with the Biden administration’s watchlist practices, describing them as “quiet skies of silent partners and inconsistent application.” It pointed to newly uncovered documents and communications that illustrate these concerns.
It was disclosed that Senator Shaheen’s husband had been flagged twice as “a co-tourist with known or suspected terrorists.” Reports suggest that Senator Shaheen engaged with former TSA administrator David Pekosuke, who allegedly received instructions to exclude her husband from that list.
After direct lobbying by Senator Shaheen, Pekosuke reportedly followed directives to take her husband off the silent partner list. Despite his flights alongside known or suspected terrorists on three occasions, he was granted an exemption.
In contrast, individuals like Tulsi Gabbard have found themselves placed on silent partner lists without clear rationale or oversight.
In July 2023, Billy Shaheen was designated as a TSA Random Selectee during his trips from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Washington-Reagan International Airport (DCA) and from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) back to BOS, marking his first flagging as a co-traveler with a Known or Suspected Terrorist (KST), according to DHS.
“Following his trip, Senator Shaheen’s office sought clarification from the TSA regarding her husband’s increased screening,” the DHS commented.
On October 18, 2023, Billy Shaheen was flagged again as a co-traveler of KST.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized the “quiet skies” program, suggesting it has been politicized by the Biden administration.
“The program has clearly been used as a political tool to target opponents and favor allies,” Noem stated. “What should be a fair application of security has instead become a means for political targeting. The Trump administration promises to restore integrity and fairness to security measures for all Americans.”
In a post on X in September 2024, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard revealed she has been placed on a “secret terrorist watch list.”
“My government has me on a secret list as a potential domestic threat,” Gabbard remarked. “Why? It seems to be due to political retribution. We need to discuss the implications if Kamala Harris is elected president—it’s a serious concern for our country.”
