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3w ago

Noem Warns PreCheck Could Be Paused Again as Global Entry Remains Suspended

Travel groups argue the Global Entry halt removes a key security tool.

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U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to honor "Angel Families" who have lost family members to crimes committed by people in the country illegally, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 23, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference at Miami International Airport in Miami, Florida, on January 31, 2026.
On Tuesday, U.S. Travel Association President Geoff Freeman called on DHS to restore the Global Entry program, saying its absence increases security risks. “Suspending this critical security program does the opposite of what the Department of Homeland Security intends, adding volume to standard lines, stretching the very personnel the department is trying to protect and increasing security risks,” he said. (ERIN HOOLEY/AP FILE)

Overview

  • With DHS funding lapsed, CBP says Global Entry has been shut since Feb. 22 and officers are working unpaid with no timeline for resumption.
  • After DHS initially moved to suspend both programs, the White House intervened to keep PreCheck operating, and reports attribute the original plan to Secretary Kristi Noem and adviser Corey Lewandowski.
  • Noem now says PreCheck could be deprioritized if staffing worsens, adding that standard lanes would be prioritized where resources are tight.
  • Airports reported longer arrival lines, including at Washington Dulles, as Global Entry kiosks remained closed even while some enrollment interviews continued.
  • Travel industry leaders and lawmakers are urging restoration, noting the program is largely funded by a $120 fee and in 2025 cut wait times by 70% and saved more than 300,000 officer hours, and that previous shutdowns did not halt it.