Tampa International Airport to Shift Most TSA Screening to Private Company by May 2027 While Retaining Federal Oversight

Tampa International Airport opted into the voluntary TSA Gold+ program, CNN reported, allowing a private contractor to hire screeners and manage equipment at most checkpoints while the agency retains regulatory oversight and enforces its rules. The change follows President Donald Trump's 2027 budget proposal that called for expanding private involvement in airport security.

A town hall held Monday informed Tampa TSA employees of the plan, led by acting TSA deputy administrator Adam Stahl. Workers received the first right of refusal for positions at the private vendor once selected. Participation requires airports to apply, and the Gold+ program builds on the existing Screening Partnership Program now used at 20 U.S. airports, including San Francisco International, Kansas City International and Orlando Sanford.

The latest White House budget proposal released in April would require small airports to join that program. The American Federation of Government Employees, which represents about 47,000 TSA officers nationwide, has opposed privatization efforts. An AFGE spokesperson told CNN earlier this year that the union anticipated the White House would advance the idea outlined in Project 2025.

Johnny Jones, secretary treasurer for AFGE TSA Council 100, said at a news conference that privatization has nothing to do with security or safety. Some Tampa employees reacted with visible distress during the town hall, according to a TSA staffer in Tampa who spoke to CNN. The airport stated its decision reflected a commitment to modernization and operational resilience.