Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s video aimed at travelers regarding the ongoing government shutdown is being withheld from at least five airports. She attributes the loss of federal funding to Democrats.
Specifically, Portland International Airport in Oregon, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington, and three airports in New York state (Niagara Falls International Airport, Buffalo Niagara International Airport, and Westchester County Airport) have indicated they won’t show Noem’s message, labeling it as “political” and “inappropriate.”
In the video, intended for TSA checkpoints nationwide during the shutdown, Noem states, “TSA’s top priority is to ensure we deliver the most comfortable and efficient airport experience possible while keeping our customers safe. Yet, Democrats in Congress are refusing to provide federal funding.” She later mentions that the shutdown is impacting TSA operations and that many TSA employees are currently working without pay.
Noem expresses hope that “Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening up government,” although there’s a sense of disconnect in her message. It seems she was prompted to send this video out to airports last week.
“We will continue to do everything in our power to avoid delays that impact your travels,” she continues, reiterating her desire for Democrats to understand the urgency of the situation.
The partial government shutdown began on October 1 after most Senate Democrats opposed a continuing resolution meant to fund the government through November 21.
A spokesperson for the Port of Seattle noted that the “political nature” of Noem’s video is why it won’t air at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. They emphasize the need for bipartisan solutions to resolve the shutdown and support federal employees affected by it.
Similarly, officials at Portland International Airport raised concerns that showing the video might violate the Hatch Act, which limits certain political activities by federal employees. They stated, “We did not consent to its rehabilitation because we believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits the use of public property for political purposes.”
This sentiment was echoed in Oregon law, which prevents public officials from endorsing or opposing any political party or organization, further complicating the situation.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins criticized Noem’s message as “inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values expected of our nation’s top public servants,” highlighting the alarmist tone of the video concerning airport operations in his area. He insisted that clear, honest, and nonpartisan communication is essential, especially regarding national security and the implications of the government shutdown.
A spokesperson for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which manages both Niagara Falls International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport, stated that the video clashes with their longstanding policy against displaying partisan content.
Despite the pushback, a DHS spokesperson confirmed that Noem’s PSA is being distributed to airports nationwide and expressed hope that Democrats would soon acknowledge the need to reopen the government.
