Millions of federal employees are facing uncertainty following recent directives from the new administration. Among those affected are the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, who have been informed they cannot participate in a buyout offer.
A Bloomberg report revealed that TSA employees received an email on January 28 about the Deferred Resignation Program, also known as the “Fork in the road” email. However, a subsequent message from the TSA’s Office of the Administrator clarified that TSA staff are not eligible for this program. A federal agency spokesperson explained that TSA employees are excluded because they play a crucial role in national security.
The TSA employs around 65,000 people and reported screening a record 904 million individuals at airport checkpoints during 2024. From December 19, 2024, to January 2, 2025, they screened 39 million individuals, marking their busiest holiday travel period ever.
Reuters reported that federal employees involved in public safety roles like air traffic controllers and National Transportation Safety Board workers are also exempt from the buyout offer. The Office of Personnel Management had previously stated that military personnel, US Postal Service workers, and positions related to immigration enforcement and national security were not eligible for early exit offers.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that air traffic controllers are exempt from hiring freezes imposed by the President on most federal positions. The Federal Aviation Administration is actively recruiting controllers despite these freezes.
Additionally, news outlet Associated Press (AP) reported on January 22 that the President dismissed heads of both the TSA and Coast Guard and removed all members of a key aviation security advisory group. This committee was established after the PanAm bombing over Lockerbie in 1988 and included representatives from various aviation sectors.
The future of this advisory committee remains uncertain as its membership has been eliminated to focus on prioritizing national security activities. DHS officials did not respond to AP inquiries regarding these changes.
Simple Flying reached out to the Transportation Security Administration for further comments and will update with any responses received.
