DHS Reports Democratic Senator's Husband Removed from Biden TSA Watchlist Despite Alleged Terrorist Connections

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a stark warning on Wednesday regarding alleged improprieties within the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The agency accused veteran Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire of personally lobbying the Biden administration to remove her husband from an airline security watchlist, despite his purported association with a “known or suspected terrorist.”

According to DHS, William "Billy" Shaheen, a prominent attorney and husband of the senator, traveled alongside a known or suspected terrorist on three separate occasions in a single year. Internal statements assert that documentation, correspondence, and established timelines highlight what DHS called a “politicization” of TSA’s watchlisting program under the current administration. The agency claims these records demonstrate “inconsistent application” of critical aviation security programs, alleging these inconsistencies were meant to benefit politically connected individuals, while potentially jeopardizing public safety.

Central to the DHS allegations is the assertion that Senator Shaheen directly reached out to then-TSA Administrator David Pekoske. Following her involvement, Pekoske reportedly instructed officials to exempt Billy Shaheen from the Silent Partner Quiet Skies list—a move DHS described as bypassing standard security procedures for personal gain.

In response, Senator Shaheen’s office firmly rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing. According to her spokesperson, the senator only contacted the TSA after her husband was subjected to what she described as “invasive and degrading” searches at airport checkpoints. Shaheen insisted she merely sought clarification about the nature of these searches, and had no knowledge of her husband being included on a Quiet Skies list or any subsequent removal from such a list. “Any suggestion that the Senator’s husband was supposedly included on a Quiet Skies list is news to her and had never been raised before this week,” the spokesperson stated.

Despite the denial, DHS maintains that a “blanket exemption” was granted to Billy Shaheen—even after he flew with a person flagged as a security concern. The controversy has reignited scrutiny of the TSA’s practices, particularly in light of claims that other well-known figures, including politicians and journalists, have faced inconsistent scrutiny under the same programs. DHS highlighted that former U.S. Representative Tulsi Gabbard was reportedly placed on the Quiet Skies list without adequate explanation, while exemptions were extended to individuals with political connections.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem strongly criticized the alleged manipulation of the program. “It is clear that this program was used as a political rolodex for the administration—weaponized against its political foes and to benefit their well-heeled friends,” she said. She vowed to prioritize the equal application of law and ensure the integrity and privacy of all Americans during aviation screening, should the Trump Administration return to power.

According to the timeline released by DHS, Billy Shaheen was identified as a “TSA Random Selectee” on July 20, 2023, flagged for flying with a known or suspected terrorist on flights between Boston Logan International Airport, Washington-Reagan International Airport, and back through Washington Dulles International Airport. Shortly after, Senator Shaheen made an inquiry to the TSA about her husband’s enhanced screenings.

The agency further noted that, after a second incident in October 2023, Senator Shaheen met with Pekoske regarding her husband’s watchlist status. DHS alleges that, despite the senator’s outreach, TSA did not disclose any specific information about watchlisting. Two days after that meeting, then-assistant administrator Nancy Nykamp approved Billy Shaheen’s addition to the “Secure Flight Exclusion List,” effectively exempting him from future TSA selectee designations. Officials say he remained on this list for 18 months until current TSA leadership intervened to remove him.

Senator Shaheen, currently the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recently announced that she would not seek re-election in 2026. However, her daughter Stefany Shaheen has entered a congressional race and addressed the controversy during a local radio interview. Describing her father as a “patriot” and a decorated veteran, Stefany Shaheen emphasized her belief that the situation was due to a misunderstanding, not improper conduct or favoritism.

As the debate intensifies, questions remain about the transparency and impartiality of national security screening programs and the potential for political influence. DHS has signaled that a broader review of the TSA’s practices may be imminent, underscoring the need for accountability and uniform application of security measures for all travelers, regardless of political connections.