Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, warned that the REAL ID may be implemented in an attempt to control Americans and has urged President Donald Trump not to enforce it.
Newsweek reached out to Massie’s office via email Monday afternoon for comment.
Why It Matters
Due to a law passed by Congress in 2005 that has been repeatedly extended for two decades, anyone traveling on domestic flights must have the new REAL ID to get through routine security protocols and board a plane. REAL ID also allows access to some federal buildings and nuclear facilities. The deadline of May 7, 2025, now appears set and is unlikely to be extended again, with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) extending hours to help Americans obtain them.
The requirements to obtain a REAL ID may slightly vary by state but usually requires proof of a Social Security number, proof of citizenship, proof of address and proof of identity.
What To Know
In a thread of messages on X, formerly Twitter, the congressman wrote on Saturday: “Real ID isn’t needed and won’t stop terrorists from hijacking planes. Most of the 9/11 hijackers held Saudi, UAE, Egyptian, or Lebanese passports. Real ID is a national standard and database of IDs that is primarily a tool for control of Americans. Trump shouldn’t enforce it.”
Then on Monday, Massie warned in another X post that the “Real ID isn’t a database. It’s proof that your physical person matches an entry in the digital database. Its power & purpose will be realized when everyone complies, but not before. This is responsive to ‘I didn’t give them much information, I’ve had one for years, why worry?'”
He added: “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?”
The REAL ID system has also sparked backlash as married women who may have changed their name may run into difficulties acquiring one as official documentation like a court order or marriage certificates are needed.
Notably, Massie and Trump have a sordid history as of late as the two butted heads over funding legislation for the government.
Trump went as far as to bash the lawmaker on Truth Social last month, writing that he would “lead the charge” against him and said Massie should be primaried.
Trump also said Massie reminds him of former Representative Liz Cheney, a Wyoming Republican, who has also had a notable aversion to the president and was on the January 6, 2021, committee to investigate Trump’s alleged actions related to the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
What People Are Saying
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X on Sunday: “Starting on May 7, everyone needs a REAL ID, passport or another approved identification to fly. REAL ID helps ensure that travelers are who they say they are and prevents fraud by criminals, terrorists and illegal aliens. Enforcing federal law will help keep American travelers safe.”
The official X account for the Department of Homeland Security wrote on Monday: “Real ID will make America safer and more secure. Illegal aliens should not be allowed to fly in the U.S. UNLESS SELF DEPORTING.”
Former Representative Ron Paul, a Texas Republican, wrote on X on Monday: “What Is Kristi Noem Doing? REAL ID is Tyrannical…Authored By The Same Author of The Patriot Act!”
New Hampshire state Representative Joe Alexander, a Republican, wrote on X on Saturday: “Real ID is a violation of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. The Federal Government should not be mandating ID for its citizens to travel between states. Just say NO.”
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