The Trump administration has axed the controversial surveillance program known as Quiet Skies.
The canceled program was a counterterrorism initiative that aimed to monitor American citizens in airports and on flights. It was run under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and was shuttered amid concerns that it had become “weaponized” under the Biden administration.
Trump Admin’s Announcement
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took to X, formerly known as Twitter, and announced the program’s termination, revealing its staggering inefficacy: “It failed to stop a SINGLE terrorist attack while costing US taxpayers roughly $200 million a year.”
In a video message shared on the social media platform, Noem elaborated, saying, “[The Department of Homeland Security] and TSA have uncovered documents, correspondence, and timelines that clearly highlight the inconsistent application of Quiet Skies.”
Quiet Skies Purpose
Designed to keep tabs on Americans who had crossed paths with suspected terrorists, Quiet Skies was born during the Obama administration. Yet, it was marred by what DHS described as political misuse.
Notably, William Shaheen, the husband of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), traveled alongside known terrorists but received “blanket exemptions” from being surveilled, courtesy of former TSA Administrator David Pekoske.
‘Politically Motivated’ List
On the other hand, political figures such as former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard found themselves entangled in the program.
Gabbard, who has voiced criticisms against Kamala Harris, claimed that her placement on the Quiet Skies list was “politically motivated” and a tactic to intimidate dissenters.
During an interview on Fox News with Laura Ingraham, she remarked, “I think they were trying to intimidate me, but also, they were trying to really create this chilling effect…” Furthermore, Gabbard questioned Harris’ qualifications shortly after Biden endorsed her for the 2024 presidential nomination.
TSA’s Role
With the Quiet Skies program officially defunct, Noem vowed that the TSA would still fulfill its critical role in vetting and safeguarding American travelers.
“The Trump Administration will return TSA to its true mission of being laser-focused on the safety and security of the traveling public,” she declared, emphasizing the need for “integrity, privacy, and equal application of the law for all Americans.”
The post Trump Admin Ending ‘Quiet Skies’ Surveillance Program appeared first on Knewz.
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Author: Joshua Wilburn
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