TSA unveils Horizon 25 plan, ending Gold+ and expanding private screening partnerships

On its 25th anniversary, the Transportation Security Administration released Horizon 25, a strategy that terminates the TSA Gold+ program designed to broaden private contractor use in airport security. Despite dropping Gold+, the agency aims to fast-track an expanded Screening Partnership Program, allowing airports to hire private firms for passenger and baggage checks; the program now includes 20 airports, with San Francisco International Airport as the largest participant.

Officials argue the move will create a safer, more efficient aviation system, citing past Department of Homeland Security funding lapses that left many TSA agents absent while SPP airports operated smoothly. Horizon 25 also calls for enhancements to TSA PreCheck and quicker acquisition of technology to counter threats such as drones. The American Federation of Government Employees, represented by national president Everett Kelley, condemned the plan, saying it threatens members’ jobs and public safety. The shift could result in the loss of thousands of federal TSA positions and may offer weaker labor protections for incoming private contractors.