STORY: U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday proposed to begin privatizing airport security operations handled by the Transportation Security Administration in a bid to cut costs.
The White House budget proposes cutting funding for the federal agency by $52 million, and would require small airports to enroll in a program in which TSA pays for private screeners.
It comes as Trump looks to cut 10% in non-defense spending for the 2027 fiscal year while proposing a massive $500 billion increase in the military budget, as the U.S. continues its war against Iran.
The request ultimately requires approval by Congress.
TSA has about 50,000 federal employees who handle screening at nearly all U.S. airports.
Budget documents released on Friday said airports currently using the privatization program have demonstrated savings compared to federal screening operations.
Major U.S. airports suffered massive disruptions after TSA security officers went unpaid since mid-February amid a budget dispute in Congress. More than 500 TSA officers have quit in recent weeks.
Privatization could help remove TSA from congressional funding fights.
But cuts to the airport security agency would come at a critical time for air travel, with rising concerns about air safety.
Trump's budget also included money to hire more air traffic controllers.
