Trump administration removes TSA chief David Pekoske

U.S. President Donald Trump has removed David Pekoske, the administrator of the U.S. Transport Security Administration (TSA), from his role with immediate effect, CNN reported.

Pekoske who began his role at the TSA in 2017. Trump picked the official to serve as the head of the government agency in August 2017, with his successor, Joe Biden, extending his tenure at the TSA in September 2022.

Pekoske, a former U.S. Coast Guard (USCGA) official, had led a workforce of more than 60,000 employees across 440 airports during his tenure at the TSA, the agency says.

It’s just one aviation-related change Trump’s administration has made. A  new Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will also see new leaders.

Trump selected Sean Duffy, a former U.S. Congressman and a Fox News contributor, to head up the DOT in November 2024. He was approved as the Transport Secretary on January 15.

The incoming official, who replaces Pete Buttigieg, is set to put pressure on Boeing as it attempts to normalizes operations after a couple of turbulent years related to safety-related incidents.

Mike Whitaker, the Administrator of the FAA, said he would step down as soon as Trump is inaugurated as president in December, He did so on January 20.

The FAA’s website currently shows that the Administrator role is currently vacant, with Mark House holding the role of Acting Deputy Administrator. 

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.