The Trump administration has removed chairs from Transportation Security Administration (TSA) travel document checking stations at US airports, arguing that standing helps reinforce professionalism and strengthens the security posture and commitment to hospitality. The policy applies only to TSA staff, not border patrol or customs officers.
Supermarket cashiers also stand
US supermarket cashiers have traditionally been forced to stand while working, unlike their European and British counterparts. This appears to stem from a Protestant work ethic and a lack of labour laws, with sitting seen as conveying laziness to consumers. Right-to-sit lawsuits have pushed back over the years, but seated cashiers remain unusual, except at Aldi, which provides chairs because it is more efficient when workers' feet are not aching.
President's posture contrasts
The US president often looks as if he is snoozing at his desk, rather than maintaining a standing posture, likely because he stays up all night posting memes on the internet. TSA agents have also faced other indignities, including working without pay during government shutdowns in Trump's second term, while members of Congress could continue to collect their salaries unless they chose not to.
