The Department of Homeland Security has accused Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of corruption for allegedly using her position to get her husband removed from a federal security watchlist, marking a significant allegation against the three-term New Hampshire senator. Here’s what you need to know about the TSA watchlist controversy:
The corruption allegation
DHS officials say Shaheen abused her power:
- Senator secretly lobbied TSA chief David Pekoske in 2023, department says
- Husband William Shaheen removed from “Quiet Skies” watchlist
- Special treatment while political opponents remained listed
- Program allegedly weaponized for political purposes
The Quiet Skies program
TSA surveillance system targeting potential security risks:
- Flags passengers who aren’t on regular terror watchlists
- Subjects travelers to enhanced screening and surveillance
- Federal air marshals conduct extra monitoring
- Designed to identify associates of known terrorism suspects
The timeline of events
How the controversy unfolded over months:
- July 2023: William Shaheen flagged as “co-traveler with suspected terrorist”
- Flights between Boston and Washington, D.C., triggered screening
- Senator asked TSA about enhanced screening her husband faced
- October 2023: Husband screened again, senator held meeting with Pekoske
- TSA chief ordered husband added to “exclusion list” for special exemption
The travel companion
Identity of flagged associate remains unclear:
- Shaheen’s office describes person as “Arab-American lawyer”
- TSA won’t identify the suspected terrorism associate
- William Shaheen is Lebanese-American, former U.S. attorney
- Served in Carter administration as New Hampshire federal prosecutor
The political targeting claims
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem alleges partisan abuse:
- Tulsi Gabbard simultaneously added to same watchlist
- Former Democratic congresswoman was Trump supporter at time
- Program used as “political rolodex” by Biden administration
- “Weaponized against political foes and to benefit their well-heeled friends”
The senator’s defense
Shaheen’s office disputes corruption characterization:
- Says husband faced “extensive, invasive and degrading searches”
- Claims senator was unaware of any watchlist placement
- Denies knowledge of removal action following her call
- Characterizes inquiry as seeking understanding of screening reasons
The broader program concerns
Quiet Skies faces mounting criticism:
- Sen. Rand Paul investigating surveillance of Gabbard
- Whistleblowers revealed political targeting last year
- Air marshals documented appearance and electronics of targets
- DHS says program yields “little to no measurable security impact”
What happens next
Current developments:
- William Shaheen’s exclusion has been revoked
- TSA Administrator Pekoske was ousted by Trump administration
- Sen. Rand Paul obtained air marshals’ documents on Gabbard surveillance
- Homeland Security says others also received special treatment
Read more:
• DHS accuses Democratic senator of corruption for helping husband get TSA contract
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