The DHS inspector general first informed Noem of the security concern in August, according to major media reports. In a letter to Congress, the inspector general stated that, as of February, DHS and TSA had not addressed the security lapse, and gave four recommendations for corrective action, to which TSA had not responded. It remains unknown which specific TSA full-body scanner models are incapable of screening shoes, the exact nature of the four corrective action recommendations, and whether any security incidents have occurred due to the shoe policy change.
Politically, the White House has backed Noem, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying President Donald Trump retains total confidence in her. However, Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized the move, calling Noem's decision to end the shoe policy a reckless act that could put passengers in danger. According to sources familiar with the matter, Noem's office prohibited the DHS inspector general's report from being published and increased its classification level.
I am writing to make you—the chairs and ranking members of the committees with primary jurisdiction over the Transportation Security Agency (TSA)—aware of an unresolved oversight matter with significant safety and security implications for the traveling public. My office has advanced this issue as far as we are able, yet the findings and recommendations have not been addressed despite our best efforts.
In response, a DHS spokesperson said the inspector general's recommendations had been implemented. Broader context includes Noem considering relaxing restrictions on liquids allowed in hand luggage, though most remain in place. The current status of the shoe policy—whether it remains in effect or has been modified—and the extent of consultation with TSA before Noem ended it are still unclear.
At a minimum, TSA’s failure to swiftly implement corrective action warrants the immediate withdrawal of Secretary Noem’s reckless and dangerous policy that increases the risk of a terrorist smuggling a dangerous item onto a flight.