Conservatives are opposed to the Trump administration’s plan to ultimately enact a long-term real identity law to crack down on illegal immigration.
“If you think your actual ID is about the integrity of the election, you’ll be seriously disappointed. Someone lied to you or you’re engaged in hopeful thoughts. Don’t shoot messenger,” R-Ky.
In response to a video of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Christie Noem, who announced the May 7th real ID deadline, former vice presidential candidate and Alaska Governor Sarah Palin questioned in a lengthy post.
Palin continues: “Other administrations have delayed this new, burdensome, actual ID requirement. Are you interested in why its implementation is essential? And who came up with this?”
“Real ID” appointments are not open in New Jersey as residents ring out: “With the Times, New Jersey.”
Rep. Thomas Massey is critical of the Trump administration’s real ID rollout. (AFP via Getty Images | Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
The Actual Identification Act was passed in 2005, but the federal government has not yet implemented it in 20 years. All US travelers must comply with their actual ID when boarding domestic flights.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) last week announced that Real IDs will come into effect on May 7th, and that other state-issued ID cards will not be accepted for air travel.
Adam Stahl, a senior TSA official, said Real ID has announced that it will “enhance safety by forging fraudulent IDs and obstructing criminals and terrorists.”
The vast majority of Republicans seem to have little problem with change, but some on the right are screaming for fouls.
In a post on X, Massy said, “Why do you care that the flying person has government permission unless the pilot’s door is locked and no one has a weapon? The actual ID does not bring any profit, but poses serious risks at will.
Traveler’s real ID deadlines, access to some federal buildings is quickly approaching
Massy targeted President Donald Trump and more directly in response to another X user who asked if he was against him because of his differences with the commander. The Kentucky Republican is known for his multiple public spats with Trump.
“Real ID is an overreach of the George Bush-era Patriot Act in 2005, not fully strengthened until Trump took office. Let me speculate, Massy wrote.
President Donald Trump is waving from his car when he arrives at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida on February 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Cartis)
Former presidential candidate and former home candidate Ron Paul, R-Texas State Rep. “Homeland Security Director Christa Noem announced Friday that the infamous patriot Act Ella Real ID scheme will come into effect at the end of the month. Actual IDs are one of the biggest threats to American civil liberties in decades.”
The Kentucky Republican legislator agreed to Paul on social media, writing, “Real Id!!!”
New Hampshire Assemblyman Joe Alexander, a Republican, added to his accusations that he wrote “a violation of the 14th amendment to the US Constitution” and that “the federal government should not require citizens to travel.”
Patrick Eddington, a senior fellow at Cato Institute, told Fox News Digital:
Eddington argued that it placed an unconstitutional burden on those trying to travel by train.
“My mother had just had a stroke and the prognosis was uncertain and I was hoping to get home soon and be with her, but I couldn’t do it because I didn’t have an ID card that complied with my actual ID.
“The actual ID act effectively enacts a form of mass surveillance and verification that does not distinguish between those who gave reasons for doubt and those who did not, so it should never have been enacted in the first place.”
Homeland Security Secretary Christi Noem will visit the Port of Mariposa in Nogales, Arizona on March 15th, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Meanwhile, Trump’s ally, Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) targeted critics in his own official statement.
“The actual ID Act goes back 20 years ago to 2005!!! That’s when everyone stops pulling their legs. Stop social media, complain, put together information, go to DMV to get their real ID,” Alford said.
DHS argues that implementing actual IDs will help the Trump administration move further its goals in cracking down on illegal immigration.
The DHS memo obtained by Fox News Digital earlier this week claimed in favour of its implementation. The actual ID “closes the vulnerability of the gap in which Biden’s policy was created and prevents criminals and potential terrorists from exploiting the aviation system.
Former Congressman Ron Paul will speak at the Bitcoin Conference, a cryptocurrency conference held at the Mana Convention Center in Miami on June 4, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Trump administration allies also pointed out that while they have implemented long-standing orders by Congress, the current White House has not taken part in the decision.
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Fox News Digital reached out to the White House and TSA for further comment. A Massie spokesperson said when Fox News Digital contacted him, he was unable to participate in the interview.
Cameron Arcand of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
Elizabeth Elkind is the main reporter of Fox News Digital’s reporting in the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen on Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow me on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to Elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
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