David Cummins sworn in as new TSA Administrator

David Cummins has been sworn in as the eighth Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), taking charge of the agency responsible for security operations at more than 430 airports across the United States.

Cummins was nominated by President Donald Trump in May 2026 and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He will lead a workforce of approximately 60,000 employees and oversee aviation security, as well as the protection of rail networks, public transport systems, highways, pipelines and maritime transport under the direction of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

Passenger experience and technology among priorities

Following his appointment, Cummins outlined several priorities aimed at strengthening airport security while improving the passenger experience.

These include boosting workforce morale, accelerating the rollout of advanced screening technologies at airport checkpoints, providing passengers with more real-time information to reduce waiting times, and strengthening transport networks against emerging drone and cyber threats.

Cummins said: “We do not have to choose between a secure checkpoint, an efficient checkpoint, or an elevated experience. In fact, our mission demands that we achieve all three at once.”

Before joining the TSA, Cummins built a career in the private sector overseeing transportation partnerships with government organisations across the United States and internationally. He also led strategy and acquisition programmes covering transport systems in 30 countries and has been co-awarded 12 patents for innovation projects.

His previous experience also includes serving as Director of Operations Management for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, where he received the International Project of the Year Award from the Project Management Institute.

Cummins holds degrees from the University of Michigan Business School, George Washington University and Messiah University.