Senator's Husband Got VIP TSA Exemption Amid Crisis

Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) successfully lobbied TSA officials to remove her husband, William Shaheen, from the 'Quiet Skies' watchlist after he was flagged for traveling with a known or suspected terrorist. Following her intervention, he was given VIP status that shielded him from both random and algorithmic security checks, a privilege rarely granted to ordinary travelers. The removal and exemption took place during a period of heightened security following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. This incident has drawn criticism over alleged political favoritism within national security protocols and has exposed perceived flaws in the TSA's watchlisting process. The controversy also contributed to declines in stock and cryptocurrency markets amid increased political uncertainty. The TSA claims to have since rescinded the VIP exemption, but details on the timing and transparency of this action remain unclear.