A program designed to flag travelers for potential extra screening and monitoring at airports and on airplanes will be discontinued, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Thursday. The program recently came under attack from Republicans after it was revealed that prior to her appointment to lead the US Intelligence Community, Tulsi Gabbard was temporarily placed on the “Quiet Skies” list – a process that can occur because of a number of different factors, including travel patterns. Being on the list does not mean an individual is suspected or accused of wrongdoing. Quiet Skies has long been the source of negative publicity for TSA, according to a former US official. But officials have seen it as valuable because it allows the agency to order extra security checks for certain people based on specific intelligence. “It is clear that the Quiet Skies program was used as a political rolodex of the Biden Administration — weaponized against its political foes and exploited to benefit their well-heeled friends,” Noem said in her statement announcing the program’s end. “I am calling for a Congressional investigation to unearth further corruption at the expense of the American people and the undermining of US national security.” As CNN previously reported, Gabbard was quickly removed from the list after going public last year with claims she had been added to a “secret terror watchlist” – saying she was placed on the list for criticizing then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. US officials told CNN that to have a nominee for a top position — much less the director of national intelligence — placed on a government watchlist of any kind was highly unusual, if not unprecedented. It remains unclear why Gabbard was placed on the list and subsequently removed. The Quiet Skies algorithm looks at travel patterns, foreign connections and other data in a variety of government holdings, and if triggered, leads to additional security screening at the airport by Air Marshals. But it is not associated with the FBI’s terrorist watch list. Security officials from multiple agencies previously told CNN that the program is known inside the government for having far laxer standards for inclusion. The program was only one part of airport security and other screening lists still exist inside of the department. In a press release Thursday, DHS said the program “was used to target political opponents and benefit political allies.” “TSA will continue performing important vetting functions tied to legitimate commercial aviation security threats to both ensure the safety of the American traveler and uphold its statutory obligations,” the department said. CNN’s Evan Perez contributed to this report.
DHS halts ‘Quiet Skies’ program following Republican claims it was used against political opponents
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"DHS Ends 'Quiet Skies' Program Amid Political Misuse Allegations"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the discontinuation of the 'Quiet Skies' program, which was intended to identify travelers for additional screening at airports. This decision comes in the wake of criticism from Republican lawmakers after it was disclosed that Tulsi Gabbard, a former Congresswoman and presidential candidate, had been placed on the program's watchlist prior to her appointment to lead the U.S. Intelligence Community. The inclusion of Gabbard on the list raised concerns regarding the potential misuse of the program for political purposes, as it is designed to flag individuals based on travel patterns and other intelligence rather than any direct suspicion of wrongdoing. Despite its intention to enhance security, the program has faced negative scrutiny for its perceived lack of transparency and its potential application as a political tool. Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that the program had become a means of targeting political adversaries and called for a Congressional investigation into the matter, asserting that it undermined national security and was detrimental to the American public.
The 'Quiet Skies' program, which had been criticized for its lax criteria for inclusion, utilized algorithms to analyze various data points, including travel behaviors and foreign connections, leading to increased security checks by Air Marshals. However, it was clarified that being placed on this list did not equate to being on a terrorist watchlist. The TSA maintains that its primary focus remains on legitimate aviation security threats and that other screening measures continue to be in place. As DHS officially terminates the program, it highlights the importance of ensuring that security measures are not misused for political gain while striving to protect the safety of travelers. The controversy surrounding the program and its implications for civil liberties and national security continues to generate debate among lawmakers and the public alike.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent announcement by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to discontinue the "Quiet Skies" program has sparked significant political discourse. The program's termination follows accusations from Republicans alleging it was misused for political purposes against opponents of the Biden Administration, particularly after Tulsi Gabbard, a notable figure, was briefly placed on the list.
Political Implications and Allegations
The decision to halt the program comes amidst allegations that it was used to target political adversaries. Noem's statement suggests a clear intent to frame the program's use as a tool for political harassment, thereby appealing to a Republican base that is increasingly concerned about perceived governmental overreach. This framing aims to invoke distrust towards the Biden Administration and promote calls for further investigations into alleged misuse of power.
Potential Distraction from Other Issues
There is a possibility that this focus on the "Quiet Skies" program might serve as a distraction from other pressing issues facing the government, such as economic challenges or foreign policy concerns. By highlighting this controversy, the narrative could potentially divert public attention away from governmental shortcomings in these areas.
Public Perception and Trust
The article aims to shape public perception regarding government surveillance practices, raising concerns about privacy and the politicization of such programs. It taps into a broader narrative of government mistrust, particularly among conservative circles, which may be feeling increasingly vulnerable to perceived political bias.
Connection to Broader Political Narratives
This development interlinks with ongoing discussions about government surveillance and civil liberties, particularly in the context of heightened scrutiny over data collection practices. The negative portrayal of the "Quiet Skies" program may resonate with groups advocating for civil liberties, thus reinforcing their arguments against surveillance programs seen as intrusive.
Impact on Political Landscape
The fallout from this announcement could influence upcoming elections, with Republican leaders using the incident to rally their base around issues of government accountability and transparency. It has the potential to energize constituents who are critical of the current administration, fostering a climate of political activism.
Economic and Market Reactions
While the immediate economic impact of this announcement may be limited, the underlying themes of government transparency and civil liberties could influence investor sentiment, particularly in sectors related to technology and surveillance. Companies involved in security and data analytics might find themselves scrutinized as public sentiment shifts.
Global Context and Influence
The implications of this event may extend beyond domestic politics, as it reflects broader global concerns regarding surveillance and civil rights. In a world increasingly focused on privacy issues, the U.S. government's actions could influence international perceptions of its values and policies.
Artificial Intelligence Considerations
It is plausible that AI models were employed in crafting this news piece, particularly in analyzing public sentiment or generating specific language to enhance its persuasive impact. The framing of the narrative could suggest a targeted approach to sway public opinion, revealing an intersection of technology and media strategy.
In conclusion, the reliability of this news article is contingent on its framing and the motivations behind the narrative. While it presents factual elements regarding the program's termination, the underlying political implications and potential biases should be taken into account when assessing its overall credibility.