Travelers will no longer need to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced, describing it as part of the Trump administration's push to improve life in the United States.
"When President Trump was elected, he pledged to make life better for all Americans," Noem said. "And that includes those who are travelers going through our busy airports."
Shoe removal has been a longstanding gripe among air travelers, adding another step in the often hectic process of moving through airport security. "We want to improve travel experience while maintaining safety standards," Noem emphasized.
Air travel changed drastically for Americans in the wake of September 11, 2001, shortly after which the Transportation Security Administration was established as federal security within all US airports. In December of 2001, a passenger hid explosive devices in his shoes, an incident that eventually inspired the 2006 policy requiring all travelers to remove their shoes for TSA inspection at airport security checkpoints.
But in the past twenty years, Noem noted, "Security technology has changed dramatically."
"We have a multi layered whole of government approach now," she continued. "We are very confident that we can continue to provide hospitality to folks...while maintaining the same standard of security for passengers and for our homeland."
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
