Very true, but the issues should not be a showstopper in terms of entering the US.

While a passport is not required to be shown at entry using GE, a valid passport is a primary requirement to utilize the benefit of the program. If your passport expires or is cancelled, your TTP membership will remain active but you will not be able to use the TTP program to expedite entry until your TTP profile is updated with your new valid passport information.

Also, in 2023 the CBP ended its temporary COVID-era official policy that allowed US citizens to a) travel to and b) enter the US on expired US passports that it implemented in response to the processing backlog resulting from COVID. An expired passport is no longer acceptable to travel to the US.

Therefore, if you are able to present yourself to an admissions officer at a US port of entry while possessing an expired US passport, then under most circumstances you should be allowed to enter the US after extensive secondary inspection in which CBP will verify your identity and citizenship and eligibility for admission.

So, if you know you must travel from and return to the US before receiving your new US passport, and you can travel to your destination and return to the US using your other passport(s), then renewing online so as to have your expired/canceled US passport in your possession at the US port of entry, is a pretty good plan. Just be sure to allow LOTS of time in your schedule for delays at the port of entry while your admission is processed.