At least five U.S. airports have refused to play a video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in which she blames Democratic lawmakers for the ongoing government shutdown. The message was intended for display at TSA checkpoints, but airport officials cited concerns about political content, potential violations of federal rules, and local laws against partisan messaging.
Airports in Portland, Seattle, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Westchester have led the rejections. Some pointed to the Hatch Act, which limits federal employees’ political behavior. Others referenced state or local statutes barring political speech on public property.
DHS confirmed the video is being broadcast at other airports, with Noem’s message warning that many TSA operations are impacted and staff are working without pay. While some see the video as a forceful public warning, others call it an inappropriate use of airport screens for partisan messaging.
The refusal by these airports underscores the tension between federal agencies’ communication strategies and local authority over public spaces.