Major Airports Reject Kristi Noem’s Shutdown Video Blaming Democrats

 A growing number of major U.S. airports are rejecting a new video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, saying it crosses the line into political propaganda. The message, which blames Democrats for the ongoing federal government shutdown, was meant to play on monitors near TSA checkpoints nationwide — but airport officials say airing it would violate federal and state laws that prohibit political messaging in public spaces.

Airports Push Back Against Partisan Messaging

In the video, Noem tells travelers:

“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure 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, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”

The message drew immediate concern from airport authorities, who said it appeared to use federal resources for partisan purposes, a violation of the Hatch Act — a 1939 law that bars federal employees from engaging in political activity while performing official duties.

A spokesperson for the Port of Portland, which oversees Portland International Airport (PDX), confirmed that the Transportation Security Administration had requested to display the video but said the airport declined.

“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 told MSNBC. “Additionally, Oregon law states no public employee can promote or oppose any political committee, party, or affiliation. We believe consenting to playing this video on Port assets would violate Oregon law.”

Other Airports Join the Rejection

Officials at the Port of Seattle, which operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), also said they would not air the message “due to the political nature of the content.”

According to The Washington Post, airports in Buffalo (NY), Charlotte (NC), Cleveland (OH), Los Angeles (CA), and Phoenix (AZ) have likewise refused to play Noem’s video.

This coordinated rejection signals a rare, bipartisan consensus among airport authorities that the federal government should not use publicly funded facilities to deliver political attacks — particularly during a sensitive national crisis like a government shutdown.

The Shutdown’s Impact on Travelers and Federal Workers

The United States entered its second week of a government shutdown after Congress failed to approve a funding deal before the October 1 deadline. Essential workers — including TSA agents, border officers, and air traffic controllers — are still required to work without pay until the government reopens.

While Noem’s message framed the situation as a result of Democratic obstruction, many experts point out that funding negotiations have stalled largely due to disagreements between House Republicans and Senate Democrats over spending priorities and border policy.

Critics argue that Noem’s video misrepresents the situation and attempts to shift blame while federal employees struggle to pay bills and keep critical infrastructure running.

DHS Silent as Backlash Grows

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees TSA operations, has not responded to media requests for comment on the controversy. It remains unclear whether the department will revise the video’s content or withdraw the request entirely.

Meanwhile, union leaders representing TSA and airport staff have condemned the use of federal communications for partisan purposes. “Our members are showing up to work without pay,” one union representative said. “They don’t need political messages — they need paychecks.”

The Bigger Picture

The dispute over Noem’s airport video underscores how deeply politics has penetrated even the most routine aspects of American life — like air travel. For many travelers, the idea of watching a politically charged government announcement while waiting in a security line feels like an unnecessary intrusion.

As the shutdown drags on with no clear end in sight, the focus remains on the growing number of unpaid federal workers and the pressure mounting on Congress — not on who can score the next partisan sound bite.