TSA

Government Shutdowns Won't Stop Airport Security If Airport Security Isn't Run by the Government

Airport wait times balloon as the TSA remains impacted by the partial government shutdown. 

Jack Nicastro | 3.18.2026 5:24 PM

Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL Add Reason to Google

Media Contact & Reprint Requests

(Dreamstime)

The partial government shutdown, which is now on its 33rd day, is revealing the folly of nationalized airport security in real time. 

#MobileMike If you're planning to fly out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, you might want to rethink it.

It's 3:30 AM and this place is already chaos. Lines everywhere, nonstop delays, and tons of cancellations. Staff looks overwhelmed, and passengers are just… pic.twitter.com/hmLw2ikzDo

— Mobile Mike (@MOBILEMIKE_) March 17, 2026

???? Travelers are encountering massive security lines at Newark International Airport and other airports across the country, due to the Dems shutdown.

pic.twitter.com/lQN9urrMjx

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 16, 2026

Airport wait times have dramatically increased all around the country, thanks to increased absenteeism of frontline Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees who have been working without normal pay since February 14. 

Wait times to get through security at Dulles........

© Reason.com