The Trump administration is eliminating one of the most unpopular airport security mandates in American travel history: the requirement for airline passengers to remove their shoes at TSA checkpoints.
First implemented in 2006, the policy is now being phased out at select airports, with more expected to follow. According to multiple reports, the change began rolling out over the July 4 weekend, starting with Baltimore/Washington International, Fort Lauderdale, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Portland, Philadelphia, and Piedmont Triad airports.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the decision Tuesday morning, calling it “Big news from [the Department of Homeland Security]!” in a post on X. The TSA also acknowledged the change, stating it reflects their commitment to “enhancing the passenger experience” while maintaining strong security standards.
Big news from @DHSgov! ??? https://t.co/GJjd2UQMki
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) July 8, 2025
The shoe-removal policy was originally adopted in response to British national Richard Reid’s failed 2001 attempt to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes aboard a transatlantic flight. Though the threat was taken seriously at the time, critics have long argued the policy turned into unnecessary security theater.
Under President Trump’s directive, the DHS and TSA have reportedly re-evaluated the effectiveness of the procedure and determined it is no longer essential, thanks to technological improvements and PreCheck-style screening methods being expanded to general passengers.
Clay Travis, founder of Outkick, praised the move: “Rejoice, you no longer have to take your shoes off to go through TSA airport security. Always a moronic rule that didn’t seem likely to make any of us safer. But this removal is likely to make airport security lines run way smoother.”
While TSA PreCheck users have long been exempt from shoe removal, this new directive marks the first time general travelers will benefit. The administration is reportedly exploring broader upgrades to screening efficiency and modernization efforts across the country.
The policy shift is one more example of the Trump administration’s push to eliminate bureaucratic hassle and restore common sense to federal procedures—especially when they impact millions of everyday Americans.
The post Trump Admin Phasing Out Most Hated Airport Screening Policy appeared first on Real News Now.
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