Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s Daughter Evita Slams TSA as ‘Unconstitutional’ After Security Screening Setback

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s pregnant daughter, Evita Duffy-Alfonso, criticized the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this week, saying she was subjected to what she described as an “absurdly invasive” pat-down after declining to go through an airport body-scanner.

In a post shared on X on Thursday, Dec. 18, Evita — one of nine children Duffy shares with his wife, Rachel Campos-Duffy — said the incident nearly caused her to miss her flight after she was required to wait for additional screening.

“I nearly missed my flight this morning after the TSA made me wait 15 minutes for a pat-down because I’m pregnant and didn’t feel like getting radiation exposure from their body scanner,” she wrote.

She alleged that TSA staff were “passive-aggressive” and “rude,” and that they tried to pressure her — and another pregnant traveler — to use the scanner because it’s “safe.”

“After finally getting the absurdly invasive pat-down, I barely made my flight,” she added.

The TSA says its airport screening technology is safe for all travelers, including those who are pregnant. On its website, the agency states that it uses millimeter wave advanced imaging technology (AIT) and walk-through metal detectors at checkpoints, and that millimeter wave AIT can screen for both metallic and non-metallic threats without physical contact.

The agency also notes that, “Generally, passengers undergoing screening will have the opportunity to decline AIT screening in favor of physical screening,” while adding that some passengers may be “selected for enhanced screening, in accordance with TSA regulations.”

In her post, Evita criticized the agency more broadly, writing: “All this for an unconstitutional agency that isn’t even good at its job.” She also referenced CLEAR, the identity verification platform, suggesting things might have gone more smoothly if she had shared biometric information.

“Then I could enjoy the special privilege of waiting in a shorter line to be treated like a terrorist in my own country,” she wrote, referring to TSA screening.

She went on to add: “Is this freedom? Travel, brought to you by George Orwell—and the privilege of convenience based solely on your willingness to surrender biometric data and submit to radiation exposure?” referencing Orwell’s novel 1984, which centers on mass surveillance.

Evita also pointed to the Department of Transportation’s “Golden Age of Travel” campaign, writing that the “golden age of transportation” can’t begin until the TSA is eliminated.

A TSA spokesperson said in a statement that the agency was aware of the situation. The spokesperson added that TSA takes complaints about screening procedures seriously and investigates them to ensure correct procedures are followed.

In a separate post, Evita called on President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to abolish the agency.

“TSA = unreasonable, warrantless searches of passengers and their property. That means it violates the Fourth Amendment and is therefore unconstitutional. Pls abolish @realDonaldTrump @Sec_Noem,” she wrote.

She later responded to comments pointing out her family connection to the transportation secretary, noting that the TSA is overseen by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), not the Department of Transportation (DOT). Duffy, 54, was sworn into his role on Jan. 28, 2025.

In a follow-up message on X, Evita said she was “100 percent behind” steps taken by Trump and DHS to address security concerns, but argued that travelers should be treated with more “common sense” — particularly expectant mothers who don’t want to go through body scanners.

“We can do both,” she wrote.

Evita’s husband, Michael Alfonso, is running for Congress in Wisconsin’s 7th District — a seat previously held by Duffy.

The Department of Transportation did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Evita’s posts.