TSA administrator David Pekoske has been forced to step down. In a farewell letter on Jan. 20, Pekoske said he was advised that morning that he would be removed as soon as Donald Trump was inaugurated.
David Pekoske
"I will sincerely miss being part of this amazing agency and having the opportunity to serve alongside this incredible team," Pekoske wrote in a farewell letter to staff. His firing was first reported by CNN.
Pekoske was named TSA administrator by Trump in 2017 and was reappointed for another five-year term by President Biden in 2022. His term had been slated to continue through 2027.
Travel Weekly has reached out to the TSA for comment about interim leadership.
Among Pekoske's initiatives while in office was a focus on upgrading TSA screening technology, including pleas for more funding from Congress.
In a statement on Tuesday, the National Air Carrier Association, which represents several low-cost U.S. airlines, praised Pekoske as an effective leader who closely collaborated with the industry. "Aviation security dramatically improved under his watch, earning bipartisan respect and support," NACA said.