Airports Reject DHS Video Message Amid Government Shutdown Debate
Airports in several major U.S. cities have opted not to air a video message from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Kristi Noem has accused Democrats of causing a government shutdown.
Officials from airports in Buffalo, Charlotte, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, Las Vegas, and Portland have stated that airing such political content could violate their internal policies or even state and federal laws, including the Hatch Act. A spokesperson from the Port of Portland, which oversees Portland International Airport, mentioned to The Washington Post that Noem’s video might contravene both the Hatch Act and an Oregon law that prohibits public officials from participating in activities that could support or oppose political parties. The Hatch Act particularly prevents federal employees from engaging in political activities while on the job.
Noem’s video explicitly targets Congressional Democrats.
In her message, she claimed, “TSA’s top priority is to provide our customers with the most comfortable and efficient airport experience possible. However, Congressional Democrats have refused to fund the federal government, which has affected many of our operations. We will continue to do everything we can to avoid delays that impact your travels, and our hope is that Democrats soon recognize the importance of opening up the government.”
Interestingly, the situation raises questions about strategies within the Trump administration. If they are confident that the public will ultimately blame Democrats for the shutdown, why resort to Noem’s participation in the TSA video?
Polls suggest a mixed response from the public concerning political responsibilities. Recent Reuters/Ipsos surveys indicate that around 67% of Americans believe the Republicans share a fair or substantial amount of blame for the situation, while 63% feel the same about the Democrats.
Moreover, there’s a certain unsettling nature in observing government officials displaying overt partisanship within TSA security videos. It feels… well, slightly dystopian. One can’t help but wonder how Republicans would react if Alejandro Mayorkas, Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary, acted similarly.
