Last Updated on April 16, 2025
The Homeland Security Secretary announced on X that Real ID enforcement starts May 7, 2025, demanding digital facial scans to board flights or enter federal buildings. She insists it’ll “prevent fraud” and “enhance security.”
According to many liberty activists, Kristi Noem’s latest move is a slap in the face to American freedom.
Critics like Rep. Thomas Massie and Ron Paul warned this was coming—and they’re not staying quiet.
Massie called out Noem’s plan on X, dismissing her security claims.
He stated that the Real ID is not necessary and will not prevent terrorists from seizing control of planes. He pointed out that the majority of the 9/11 hijackers possessed foreign passports. The Real ID is described as a national standard and database that is mainly a tool for monitoring Americans. It is emphasized that Real ID is not focused on enhancing safety but on monitoring individuals’ activities. Massie recommended Trump to oppose the Real ID initiative, whereas Noem is moving forward with it, revealing a stronger allegiance to government officials than to individual freedoms.
According to advocates of freedom such as Ron Paul, Noem’s support for Real ID is viewed as an attempt to expand her power and as an infringement on constitutional rights by the surveillance system. This initiative is seen as a boon for the Deep State and Administrative State, enabling greater control over citizens.
Ron Paul has been actively opposing the Real ID Act since 2005 when it was signed into law by George W. Bush. Paul described the Real ID Act as a “Trojan horse” that will not significantly enhance national security but will severely restrict personal freedoms.
He cautioned it could threaten Second Amendment rights, with databases potentially flagging gun owners or free speech advocates. Paul noted Noem’s sneaky Friday-night announcement—classic D.C. trickery to dodge scrutiny. “It’s a shame,” he said, decrying the erosion of privacy to a government obsessed with control.
Noem’s talk of safety doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. The American Policy Center warns Real ID’s “many tentacles” could harm constitutional protections, with California Democrats already eyeing it to restrict gun purchases.
Congressman Paul flagged this in ’05, noting it might include retina scans or fingerprints—tools ripe for abuse. If Noem’s claims are wrong, this scheme could betray the freedoms Americans hold dear. Her push demands a fight: scrap Real ID before it chains us all.
