Multiple airports across the United States have declined to air a video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in which she blames Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown. Officials at several major airports, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Portland International Airport, and JFK International Airport, have cited concerns regarding political content as the primary reason for their refusal to broadcast the video.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had requested that the video, which warns about potential disruptions to airport operations due to staffing shortages and unpaid TSA workers during the shutdown, be shown at various airports. However, officials at Seattle-Tacoma and Portland confirmed to The Hill that they would not comply with this request, citing the Hatch Act, which restricts the use of public resources for political purposes.
Airport Officials Cite Legal and Ethical Concerns
A spokesperson for the Port of Portland stated, “We did not consent to playing the video in its current form, as we believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits use of public assets for political purposes and messaging.” The spokesperson further indicated that Oregon law prohibits public employees from promoting or opposing any political committee or party.
Similarly, a representative for the Port of Seattle noted that the video’s political nature was a determining factor in their decision not to air it. “We continue to urge bipartisan efforts to end the government shutdown and are working to find ways to support federal employees working without pay at SEA during the shutdown,” the spokesperson said.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees JFK and LaGuardia Airports, also confirmed that their longstanding policies prevent the airing of politically partisan messages. Officials from Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Westchester County Airport echoed these sentiments, stating that their regulations prohibit partisan messaging in their facilities.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins expressed that the video’s content was “inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials.” He emphasized the need for clear, honest, and nonpartisan communication, especially concerning national security and public safety.
Responses from Additional Airports and Government Officials
Other airports, such as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Spokane International Airport, also confirmed they would not show Noem’s video. The Harry Reid International Airport and Springfield-Branson National Airport provided similar explanations regarding the political messaging of the video, which was deemed inconsistent with their usual communications.
In contrast, officials at Boston Logan International Airport indicated that the TSA had not requested the video to be played there, and a representative for Denver International Airport stated that they had no monitors available for such broadcasts.
On the government side, the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided a statement through DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. The statement highlighted that while the TSA aims to ensure a safe and efficient experience for travelers, the shutdown has forced many TSA employees to work without pay. McLaughlin described the situation as unfortunate, attributing it to “political gamesmanship” and expressing hope for a resolution to the funding impasse.
The video itself, which was intended as a public service announcement, features Noem discussing the impact of the shutdown on TSA operations. In a clip obtained by Fox News, Noem states, “It is TSA’s top priority that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe. However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted.”
Travel industry analysts have voiced concerns about the potential implications of the shutdown on air travel, particularly as it approaches the busy Thanksgiving holiday. The situation remains fluid as Congress continues to negotiate funding measures, leaving many federal employees, including TSA workers and air traffic controllers, in a precarious position.
As the shutdown continues, the broader impacts on air travel and airport operations will likely remain a topic of discussion, highlighting the intersection of politics and public service during critical times.
