Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin pushed back after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that U.S. citizens will need a Real ID to fly next month—much to the surprise of her critics.
Starting May 7, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will accept only REAL ID-compliant IDs or other approved documents (like a passport) at airport security checkpoints for passengers 18 and older—including TSA PreCheck® travelers.
Those whose state-issued ID doesn’t meet REAL ID standards and don’t have a backup form of ID, could face delays, extra screening, or even be turned away at security.
One exception: noncitizens voluntarily self-deporting on international flights will still be allowed to board, even without REAL ID.
In a post on X, Noem said:
"Starting May 7, you will need a Real ID to fly. Real IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. If you plan to fly, make sure you get a Real ID so you won’t be denied from your flight or face travel delays!"
You can see her announcement below.
Shortly afterward, Palin replied:
"Or what?? Evidently existing ID requirements for American citizens just aren’t adequate now, so big brother is forcing us through more hoops for the 'right' to travel within our own country."
"Other administrations delayed this newfangled, burdensome Real ID requirement. Are you curious why its implementation is imperative now?? And who came up with this?"
You can see Palin's response below.
It was pretty clear many didn't expect to agree with Palin on the issue—and about Noem, no less.
Palin isn't the only Republican to criticize Real ID requirements.
Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie said these requirements are less about security and more about “control.” He argued the policy "isn't needed," won’t stop terrorism, and amounts to a “national standard and database” that targets Americans more than bad actors.
He doubled down Monday, claiming REAL ID’s true power “will be realized when everyone complies.” It’s not just a card, he warned—it’s “proof” that you’ve been matched to a digital identity, whether you realize it or not.
