(End of the American Dream)—More than 100 countries around the world have a national ID card. Now the United States has one too. Starting on May 7th, you will be asked to show a REAL ID card if you want to fly on an airplane. Once authorities have established that precedent, it is just a matter of time before a REAL ID card is required for all sorts of other things. Being forced to “show your papers” in order to exercise basic freedoms goes against everything that this nation is supposed to represent. Unfortunately, that is precisely what is about to happen once we reach the deadline on May 7th…
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.
We have now received official confirmation that there will be no more extensions of the deadline.
On Sunday, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted the following message on Twitter…
“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.”
How will this keep us safer?
TSA screenings are already way too intrusive.
Why do we need to add this additional step?
For decades, we have been giving up liberty for “more security”, and that has not made our society a better place.
In response to Noem’s announcement, former U.S. Representative Ron Paul posted the following…
“What Is Kristi Noem Doing? REAL ID is Tyrannical…Authored By The Same Author of The Patriot Act!”
Ron Paul is right.
REAL ID was wrong when it originally became law, and it is wrong now.
That is why so many states have been resisting it all these years.
A lawmaker from Maine named Laurel Libby believes that REAL ID is a “de facto national identification system”…
Collecting and storing people’s personal data increases the risk for data breaches and identity theft, she argued. She also said it acts as a “de facto national identification system,” which contradicts the principles of federalism and individual freedoms.
Nobody can really argue with this because it is true. A REAL ID card is a national ID card.
Nothing that they say is ever going to make that okay.
Now that the deadline is approaching, DMV offices all over the country are absolutely swamped as people scramble to get them in time…
From coast to coast, DMV offices are swamped.
“This is national. It’s literally chaos and mayhem around the country,” said Giannoulias. “In Florida, they’re sleeping in their cars, in tents, in front of the DMV. Other states are shutting down their systems.”
And for what? To create reams of data that former staffers who are no longer at decimated federal bureaus won’t ever look at.
“I’m not a national security expert,” said Giannoulias. “But to me, it seems an enormous waste of time and resources for this little star on your license.”
The primary reason why so many people are rushing to get REAL ID cards is so that they can continue to fly.
At this point, it is being estimated that 19 percent of all travelers nationwide are not ready for the deadline…
Washington state residents are running out of time to get REAL ID compliant, as an estimated 19% of travelers nationwide are still not ready.
Beginning May 7, U.S. residents must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification during security screenings to board domestic flights.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), 81% of travelers nationwide are ready for REAL ID enforcement. If the requirement were to go into effect today, 500,000 travelers would not be compliant, out of the 2.5 million people screened daily. Using the same percentages at SEA Airport, which screens around 60,000 people daily, 12,000 travelers would not be REAL ID ready.
This is going to be a real mess.
And as U.S. Representative Thomas Massie has aptly pointed out, implementing a national ID card is going to do nothing to stop foreign terrorists from hijacking planes…
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 nailed it.
This is a tool of control, and I really wish that more people would speak out about how wrong this is.
The good news is that there will still be at least some other forms of identification that you can use to travel by plane if you do not want to get a REAL ID card. In addition to a passport, the following are forms of identification that will be considered acceptable…
- State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
- DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
- HSPD-12 PIV card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
- Transportation worker identification credential
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
Between now and May 7th, we need to have millions of Americans flooding our leaders in Washington D.C. with phone calls and emails.
If we don’t speak up now, they are going to cross this line.
And once they cross this line, it will just be a matter of time before they cross the next one.
Benjamin Franklin once made the following statement: “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”
Over the past several decades, they have taken so much liberty away from us. Are you okay with them taking even more?
Michael’s new book entitled “10 Prophetic Events That Are Coming Next” is available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.com, and you can subscribe to his Substack newsletter at michaeltsnyder.substack.com.
Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.