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Global Entry Program Resumes After 17-Day Shutdown

Was the Global Entry shutdown a justified leverage or a counterproductive political theater hurting travelers?
Global Entry Program Resumes After 17-Day Shutdown
Above: The Global Entry kiosk in Houston, Texas on Nov. 24, 2010. Image credit: Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

The Trump administration should be commended for responding to industry concerns and restoring critical efficiency to airport operations. Now it's up to Congress to end the shutdown and pay TSA officers who face zero paychecks. Immediate congressional action is essential to compensate frontline security workers and prevent further operational chaos.

Establishment-critical narrative

The Global Entry shutdown never made any sense, so the administration shouldn't get credit for ending its act of political theater and resuming the program. The program is largely automated, funded by user fees and actually reduces workload for unpaid agents. Using everyday travelers as leverage in funding disputes represents cynical politics at its worst.


The Controversies



Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO



© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0