Growing Number of Airports Say They Won't Air Kristi Noem's Video Blaming Dems for Shutdown at TSA Checkpoints

A growing number of major airports across the United States are refusing to display a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) video in which Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blames Democrats in Congress for the ongoing government shutdown, citing concerns over political content and potential violations of federal law.

Airport authorities in Buffalo, Charlotte, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, and Portland have all declined to air the message, according to local officials.

The Port of Portland, which oversees Portland International Airport, said the decision was based on the Hatch Act, a 1939 law that prohibits the use of public resources for partisan purposes. "We believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits use of public assets for political purposes and messaging," said Molly Prescott, a Port of Portland spokesperson to The Washington Post. "This is the first time to our knowledge that the Port has declined to play a video."

In the video, which has been shown at some airports since October 9, Noem tells travelers that "Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted." She adds that TSA's "top priority" remains ensuring passengers have a "pleasant and efficient airport experience," while most agency employees continue to work without pay.

The Department of Homeland Security defended the video in a statement sent to The Washington Post, saying its message was intended to inform passengers of the shutdown's effects. "While this creates challenges for our people, our security operations remain largely unimpacted at this time," said Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

However, many airport officials and local leaders have rejected the request to display the video. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins issued a statement calling the footage "inappropriate" and "unnecessarily alarmist," saying it was "inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation's top public officials."

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which operates airports in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, also declined, citing policies against partisan messaging.

While TSA checkpoint videos are common — often reminding travelers about Real ID requirements or safety procedures — aviation industry experts consulted by The Post said Noem's message is unprecedented in its political tone. "I've been around this business a long, long time," said Rob Britton, a former American Airlines executive. "I can't think of a close precedent for something like this."

As the shutdown enters its second week, nearly 8,000 flights have been delayed and hundreds canceled across U.S. airports over the weekend, according to FlightAware. TSA officers and other federal employees remain on duty without pay.