Transportation Security Administration head David Pekoske is leaving his post effective immediately, he told agency employees on Monday. Pekoske was first appointed as TSA Administrator by President Trump in 2017.
In a letter to the TSA’s nearly 65,000 workers seen by CNN, he said Trump’s transition team forced his exit. The President was sworn in Monday afternoon.
As we prepare for Monday’s Presidential Inauguration, I want to express my sincere gratitude for our Officers who will be supporting the @SecretService in ensuring the safety and security of this historic event. Your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment in… pic.twitter.com/LsiFKDLHaA
— David P. Pekoske (@TSA_Pekoske) January 18, 2025
“I will sincerely miss being part of this amazing agency and having the opportunity to serve alongside this incredible team,” Pekoske said. “It has been an honor of a lifetime! I leave with the utmost respect for you and immense pride in what we have accomplished together since August 2017. Thank you for being such wonderful professionals and public servants.”
Pekoske joins a slew of agency heads vacating their roles. Biden appointee Mike Whitaker left the FAA Administrator position ahead of Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. Whitaker assumed the position in October 2023.
