Major U.S. Airports Decline to Air DHS Video Blaming Democrats for Shutdown

Several major U.S. airports have declined to display a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) video in which Secretary Kristi Noem attributes the ongoing government shutdown to congressional Democrats. Airports in cities including New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, and Phoenix have cited policies prohibiting political content and potential violations of the Hatch Act, which restricts political activities of federal employees.

The 30-second video, intended for display at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, features Noem stating that "Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government," resulting in operational impacts and TSA employees working without pay.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, overseeing New York City's major airports, stated that its longstanding policies prevent airing politically partisan messages. Similarly, Portland International Airport declined to play the video, expressing concerns that it could violate the Hatch Act and Oregon law, which prohibits public employees from promoting or opposing any political party.

Other airports, such as those in Charlotte, Phoenix, and Seattle, have also refused to air the video, emphasizing their commitment to nonpartisan communication and adherence to legal guidelines.

The government shutdown, now in its second week, has led to TSA employees and air traffic controllers working without pay, causing disruptions in airport operations nationwide.