The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced the expansion of its private security screening initiative, dubbed Gold+, to three additional airports.
The program will replace federal TSA agents with private contractors at these locations, marking a significant shift in the federal government's approach to airport security operations.
The decision is part of a broader privatization push by the Trump administration to reduce the federal footprint in airport security.
While officials argue that private contractors can improve efficiency and reduce wait times, the move has sparked controversy.
Critics, including labor unions and security experts, have raised concerns about the potential impact on security standards and the displacement of federal workers.
The specific airports selected for the Gold+ rollout have not been detailed in the initial reports, but the program is expected to begin operations next year.