Trending Now - Lawmakers Push for Return of Shoes-off Airport Security Rule

WHO:

Fox News - Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.

Fox News - Kristi Noem, former Department of Homeland Security Secretary.

Fox News - Ha Nguyen McNeill, Acting TSA Administrator.

Fox News - Markwayne Mullin, current DHS Secretary.

NY Post - Democratic senator.

WHAT:

Fox News - Sen. Tammy Duckworth is demanding the TSA reintroduce the "shoes-off" policy for airport security.

Fox News - Duckworth described Noem's decision to end the policy as a "reckless act" that may put travelers at risk.

Fox News - Duckworth stated that TSA scanners cannot effectively screen shoes, according to a classified watchdog report.

Fox News - Duckworth accused Noem of creating a new security vulnerability by changing the policy.

Fox News - Duckworth claimed that TSA's inaction may violate federal law and missed a legally required 90-day deadline for corrective actions.

Fox News - The previous "shoes-off" policy was implemented in 2006.

WHERE:

Fox News - The context involves airport security checkpoints in the United States.

WHEN:

Fox News - Kristi Noem's decision to implement the "shoes-on" policy occurred on July 8th, 2025.

Fox News - The previous "shoes-off" policy was in place from 2006 until its termination in 2025.

WHY:

Fox News - Duckworth argues that the TSA's lack of response to the inspector general's report is a failure of leadership and endangers public safety.

Fox News - Duckworth claims Noem's policy change reflects a "willingness to gamble the American people’s security."

HOW:

Fox News - Duckworth wrote a letter to Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill demanding the reversal of the policy change.

(UPDATED April 9, 2026 03:53 UTC)

Senator Tammy Duckworth is calling for the TSA to reinstate the "shoes-off" policy for airport security, criticizing former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's decision to end it as a reckless act that jeopardizes traveler safety. Duckworth argues that TSA scanners are ineffective at screening shoes, citing a classified watchdog report, and claims that the agency's failure to act may violate federal law by missing a legally required deadline for corrective measures. In a letter to Acting TSA Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill, Duckworth emphasized that Noem's policy change creates a new security vulnerability and reflects a troubling willingness to gamble with the safety of the American public.