Airports Across U.S. Decline to Air Kristi Noem’s Shutdown Message to Travelers
Travelers in TSA lineups at major U.S. airports will not watch Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blame House Democrats for the federal government shutdown. Airport authorities objected to the 30- to 36-second video, which was shown at checkpoints, as politically charged and in violation of public space partisan message standards.
The Port Authority, which runs Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and JFK airports in New Jersey, said it would not play the movie. Longstanding organizational guidelines prohibit “politically partisan messages” on screens under its control, officials said. Seattle, Phoenix, Charlotte, Buffalo, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Bay Area airports have also refused. Many airport authorities noted that the video’s tone transitions from PSAs to political messages.
Airport officials and legal experts worry that showing the film could violate the Hatch Act, which bans government employees’ political engagement. Partisan advocacy in public venues is also prohibited under some state and local laws. Airports rejecting the film say public trust depends on impartiality in publicly funded advertising, especially in transportation infrastructures.
The two-week shutdown has strained airport operations. Thousands of TSA, air traffic controller, and other federal workers must labor without pay. Noem’s video blames congressional Democrats for not funding the government. The video message notes that while TSA’s goal is safe and efficient travel, the budget shortfall has affected numerous operations and left people unpaid.
The Department of Homeland Security said the video informs travelers about operational problems. A DHS official said, “It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship.” Airport authorities argue that even if the issue is true, the vehicle used to communicate it is improper for neutral public spaces.
Democrat critics called the footage obviously biased. Key state governors called the messaging “nakedly partisan” and cautioned that using Federal facilities for partisan comments weakens public confidence. Even during a budget dispute, New York officials insisted airport displays should not be used for political advertising. Republican lawmakers say the video shows how the shutdown is harming crucial safety operations and that the public has a right to know why.
Travelers may not receive this notice due to the congressional deadlock. Airports seem determined to maintain neutrality in public displays, even if it means rejecting federal security messages.
Sources
AP News
Business Insider
Axios
