The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released internal documents exposing how the TSA’s watchlist system was allegedly misused during the Biden presidency. The revelations show a pattern of political favoritism and surveillance targeting administration critics.
Senator’s Husband Removed from Security Watchlist
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) allegedly intervened to help her husband, Billy Shaheen, avoid TSA screening. He triggered enhanced security checks after flying with someone labeled a Known or Suspected Terrorist (KST).
Records show Senator Shaheen first contacted TSA in July 2023. She followed up with TSA Administrator David Pekoske in October. Within 48 hours, Billy Shaheen was granted a special exemption from the TSA watchlist.
He was placed on the Secure Flight Exclusion List, which shielded him from surveillance until April 2024. This happened despite his repeated travel with individuals flagged by federal security.
DHS: Exemption Granted Despite Terrorist Links
DHS documents reveal Billy Shaheen flew with a Known or Suspected Terrorist on three occasions. Yet his name remained off the TSA’s monitoring lists.
“After direct contact from Senator Shaheen, Administrator Pekoske issued a blanket exemption,” the report stated. “Billy Shaheen was excluded from standard surveillance—even with documented links to KSTs.”
Critics of Biden Became Surveillance Targets
While the senator’s husband received special treatment, the TSA allegedly redirected air marshal resources to monitor political opponents of the administration.
Tulsi Gabbard, now Director of National Intelligence, was one such target. Throughout 2024, air marshals tracked her domestic flights. Reports included detailed notes on her behavior, appearance, and device usage.
Senator Rand Paul: Surveillance Confirmed
Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) confirmed these operations during a congressional hearing.
“These documents prove what many of us suspected,” Paul said. “Federal agents were monitoring Gabbard, reporting trivial details from her flights. This wasn’t about national security—it was political.”
January 6 Travelers Monitored for Years
Surveillance went beyond politicians. According to Sonya LaBosco, Director of the Air Marshal National Council, TSA agents were ordered to follow anyone who traveled to Washington, D.C., in January 2021.
“You didn’t have to go near the Capitol or attend a rally,” LaBosco said. “Just being in D.C. that month put people on a list. And we’ve been following them ever since.”
She added that many of these individuals were never charged with crimes, yet they remain under constant observation.
DHS Secretary Condemns Program’s Misuse
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called the program a politically driven abuse of power.
“This system was weaponized,” Noem said. “It served the Biden administration’s political allies and punished dissenters.”
She promised reform under future leadership. “We’ll restore security programs to their true purpose—protecting Americans without political bias.”
🚨 MAJOR BREAKING: Trump DHS finds out that the spouse of Democrat U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (NH) flew with a "KNOWN OR SUSPECTED TERRORIST" 3 separate times.
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 4, 2025
The spouse received an EXEMPTION from Biden's TSA after Sen. Shaheen lobbied for it.
This is a scandal.
DHS: "All the… pic.twitter.com/L17oCvos46
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