Rep. Thomas Massie is critical of the Trump administration's REAL ID rollout. (AFP via Getty Images | Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005, but the federal government has yet to implement it 20 years later. It requires all U.S. travelers to be REAL ID compliant when boarding domestic flights.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced last week that REAL ID would go into effect May 7, and that no other state-issued ID cards would be accepted for air travel.
TSA senior official Adam Stahl said in the announcement that REAL ID "bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists."
While an overwhelming majority of Republicans appear to have few issues with the change, some on the right have cried foul.
Massie argued in an X post, "As long as the pilot’s door is locked and no one has weapons, why do you care that someone who flies has government permission? REAL ID provides no benefit, yet presents a serious risk to freedom. If a person can’t be trusted to fly without weapons, why are they roaming free?"
REAL ID DEADLINE FOR TRAVELERS, SOME FEDERAL BUILDING ACCESS QUICKLY APPROACHING
Massie targeted President Donald Trump more directly in response to another X user who asked whether he was opposed simply because of his differences with the commander in chief. The Kentucky Republican has been known for multiple public spats with Trump.
"REAL ID is a 2005 George Bush-era Patriot Act overreach that went completely unenforced until Trump got into office. Let me guess: he’s playing 4D chess and I should just go along with it?" Massie wrote.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visits the Mariposa Port of Entry on March 15, 2025, in Nogales, Arizona. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Meanwhile, Trump ally Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., targeted critics in his own public statement.
"The REAL ID Act was passed way back in 2005, 20 years ago!!!! It’s about time everyone stop dragging their feet. Quit scrolling through social media, quit complaining, get your info together, and get down to the DMV to get your REAL ID," Alford said Wednesday.
The DHS has argued that implementing REAL ID now will help the Trump administration further its goals in cracking down on illegal immigration.
A DHS memo obtained by Fox News Digital earlier this week argued in favor of its implementation, that REAL ID "closes the gaping vulnerabilities Biden’s policies created, preventing criminals and potential terrorists from exploiting our aviation system, as seen during 9/11 when fraudulent IDs enabled attacks."
Former Rep. Ron Paul speaks at the Bitcoin convention, a cryptocurrency conference held at the Mana Convention Center on June 4, 2021, in Miami. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Trump administration allies have also pointed out that it is carrying out a directive by Congress that’s long been stalled, but that the current White House took no part in deciding.
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Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and TSA for further comment. Massie's spokesman said he was not available for an interview when reached by Fox News Digital.
Fox News Digital's Cameron Arcand contributed to this report.
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mass-surveillance-conservatives-sound-alarm-over-trump-admins-real-id-rollout