Kristi Noem, who identified herself as secretary of Homeland Security, announced that the Transportation Security Administration will no longer routinely require travelers to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints, saying the change takes effect immediately and is part of broader screening reforms.

Noem said the decision rests on a "layered security" approach and improved screening technology. "TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes when they go through our security checkpoints," she said, and added that passengers will continue to pass through multiple screening layers and identity verification.

The announcement followed questions from reporters about technology, timelines and who would still be asked to remove shoes. Noem cited recent Real ID compliance figures, saying the department is "experiencing over 94% compliance with passengers" using Real ID–compliant identification and mentioned newly piloted checkpoint lanes such as family lanes and military lanes as part of the operational changes.

Officials described the policy as a nationwide rollout starting immediately. Noem said there will still be occasions when an individual "will have to remove their shoes" if additional screening is necessary. She also said the department will pilot additional technologies and security lane models over the next six to nine months and may expand biometrics as an opt-in option to speed processing.

On other topics raised at the briefing, Noem said funding from a recently passed appropriations measure (referred to in the briefing as the "big beautiful bill") will support investment in new screening technology and exit-lane enhancements. She declined to provide detailed figures for those investments during the session and said the department is evaluating equipment at individual airports to ensure capability differences are addressed.

Reporters asked about TSA PreCheck and whether its value would change. Noem said PreCheck remains valuable because it reduces the need to remove belts, coats and electronics, even as the new policy lets travelers generally keep shoes on. She also said most rules, including liquids and other screening steps, are under review but that no additional announcements were made at the briefing.

The briefing included several direct statements from Noem underscoring the department's framing of the policy as both safety- and customer-experience–driven. She said officials expect travelers will be pleased to keep shoes on and described the change as part of broader efforts to modernize screening processes.

The announcement did not include a written policy directive or a published TSA operations order provided at the briefing; officials present described the change as an operational policy shift implemented by TSA leadership. No formal public comment period or vote was recorded in the briefing transcript.

Looking ahead, the department said it will pilot additional checkpoint technologies and lane configurations in multiple airports within months and will evaluate results before making further rule changes.