President Donald Trump is expected to nominate a seasoned private-sector executive to lead the Transportation Security Administration as the agency faces mounting challenges tied to funding instability and staffing shortages.
Trump plans to tap David Cummins, a senior vice president at government services contractor Serco, to serve as TSA administrator, CBS News reported Thursday.
Cummins brings a background in transportation operations and large-scale logistics, including leadership roles tied to the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
If confirmed, Cummins would take the helm of the agency responsible for airport and transportation security at a critical moment, with TSA grappling with workforce attrition, rising travel demand, and ongoing uncertainty tied to a prolonged Department of Homeland Security funding impasse.
More than 780 officers have already resigned during the current shutdown, according to reports, with concerns that the number could rise further if funding issues persist.
The agency employs just under 50,000 workers, making the losses significant for operations nationwide.
Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill has warned Congress that budget instability is straining the workforce and leading to longer wait times at airport checkpoints.
Hiring and retention have become increasingly difficult as officers face uncertainty over pay and job security.
The timing is especially critical, as the U.S. prepares for major global events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to drive even higher travel volumes and put additional pressure on already stretched airport security systems.
At the same time, the Trump administration has signaled interest in major structural changes to the TSA.
The White House has proposed cutting more than 9,400 TSA jobs and reducing the agency's budget by roughly 20%, part of a broader push to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
The proposal also includes expanding the use of private security at smaller airports — a move some Republicans have supported as a step toward reducing federal bureaucracy and increasing accountability.
Critics, including union leaders, argue that such changes could compromise safety.
However, supporters contend that reform is necessary given long-standing concerns about TSA performance, including failed audits and complaints about intrusive screening procedures.
Trump has been openly critical of the agency in the past and has not had a Senate-confirmed TSA administrator since taking office in 2025.
Cummins' nomination signals a potential shift toward private-sector leadership and operational reform at an agency that plays a central role in national security.
The nomination will now head to the Senate, where Cummins is expected to face questions about how he plans to stabilize the workforce, improve efficiency, and ensure security as air travel demand continues to climb.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.