Over a dozen airports across the United States have opted not to air a video featuring Kristi Noem, the Homeland Security Secretary, in which she attributes the current government shutdown and any accompanying travel disruptions to Democrats. Airport representatives have described the content of the video as overly partisan.
In the approximately 30-second clip, Noem emphasizes the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) commitment to delivering a smooth and safe travel experience, while highlighting the adverse effects of Congress’s failure to fund the federal government. She expressed concern that many TSA employees are working without pay as a result of the ongoing shutdown.
The airports that have chosen to refrain from broadcasting the video include major transit hubs in the New York metropolitan area, as well as significant locations in Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Portland, Oregon, along with several other regional airports.
Some of these airports cited internal policies against political messaging, while others pointed to state and federal regulations. Notably, Kara Hansen, a spokeswoman for the Port of Portland, referenced the Hatch Act of 1939, which aims to uphold a nonpartisan federal workforce and restricts the political activities of federal employees. Hansen indicated that the TSA’s request for the video to be shown was made on Thursday.
The decision by these airports underscores a commitment to maintaining a neutral environment for travelers and reflects the ongoing debates around governmental functionality and political communications. Despite the partisan nature of the content, there remains an emphasis on the essential services provided by TSA and the dedication of its employees during challenging times.