Staff ReportsThe swamp drains a little more today as President Donald Trump wastes no time in cleaning house, and the first casualty of his new term is none other than TSA Administrator David Pekoske. In a decisive move, Trump’s transition team advised Pekoske to take a permanent vacation, proving once again that only the best—and less corrupt—will thrive under the Trump administration.
Sources from CNN report that Pekoske, who answered the call to lead the TSA during the chaotic times of 2017, received his notice shortly before noon, right in sync with Trump taking the oath of office. One has to admire the timing; it’s like a well-executed play where the lead actor walks off the stage just as the curtain rises. Naturally, neither the White House nor the TSA were in a hurry to comment on the departure, probably too busy polishing the new administration’s shiny boots.
In a farewell letter to TSA staff, Pekoske made it clear he was given the boot by Trump’s transition team. After all, it’s not easy working for a President who doesn’t tolerate bureaucratic sluggishness, especially not when your agency manages a workforce of 60,000 in charge of ensuring folks can teleport through security lines—thanks, but no thanks, David.
Trump Ousts TSA Administrator Day One of Presidency
https://t.co/k6QUafUlJX— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) January 21, 2025
Pekoske’s tenure wasn’t without its controversies. There were various speed bumps along the way, particularly when TSA encountered staffing shortages, especially when travelers surged around holiday seasons. Rumors of sick days being taken right when donut shops in airports became the hottest spots didn’t do him any favors. A heads-up might have helped him see the train wreck coming; instead, he opted to ride the buttery rails of government inefficiency.
Even as Pekoske faced a backdrop of challenges, under his watch, the TSA decided to switch up their pay structure, allegedly producing salary bumps for screeners that sat at an enticing average of 26 percent. Some lucky employees even grabbed a colossal 40 percent raise. Clearly, a genius move to remedy the staffing issue—except in cities like Denver, Atlanta, and Austin, where an adventure in security treatment continues. Amid all this, it’s refreshing to see Trump swing the ax on ineffective leadership, clearly signaling that mediocrity won’t stick around for long now that he is back in charge.
