The Quick Reversal Of Trusted Traveler Suspensions Explained

While many people may not realize it, one of the great benefits that you get from living in a state like New York is that you have pretty quick and easy access to other countries. Whether you are flying out of one of the many international airports that dot the Empire State or you are traveling across the northern border into Canada, getting out of the United States can be done pretty quickly.

As many people know, the process of going through customs can be pretty onerous if you aren't a regular international traveler, but many New Yorkers are, and quite a few of them take advantage of the US Department of Homeland Security's Trusted Traveler program. From FAST and SENTRI to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, the federal trusted traveler program helps millions get through security checkpoints quickly and easily.

Unfortunately, it seems that thanks to the latest government shutdown, this important and highly used program was a victim of partisan fighting between Congress and the White House... for about 4 hours.

US Homeland Security Suspends PreCheck and Global Entry Programs, then Reinstates Them Later In The Same Day

Just over a week ago, on Valentine's Day, the Federal Government began a partial government shutdown as members of Congress and the White House battled again to determine where and how the people's money should be spent. As part of the shutdown, the US Department of Homeland Security announced that it was suspending the various trusted traveler programs due to staffing issues.

Those operational suspensions, which started to kick in at 6 am on Sunday, February 22, 2026, to “refocus department personnel on the majority of travelers,” were quickly reversed as it seemed there was confusion between decision makers in Homeland Security and those who communicate with the press.

According to reporting from Reuters, it was at approximately 10 am on Sunday when DHS announced it was changing course on its decision. However, in what seems to be a purely retaliatory move, TSA did announce that while PreCheck has been reinstated, they will not provide additional security to Members of Congress as has been the norm for decades.

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Gallery Credit: Dave Wheeler