Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s video blaming Democrats for the government shutdown is facing widespread rejection by U.S. airports, igniting legal and political debates over its appropriateness and enforcement.
The video, released last week and first obtained by Fox News, shows Noem discussing TSA operations before shifting to accuse Democrats of refusing to fund the government, impacting operations and leaving employees unpaid. While it plays on some TSA-owned monitors at airports like Detroit Metro and Bismarck, many airport authorities are refusing to display it on their screens.
Airports in New York, including LaGuardia, JFK, Newark, and Westchester, along with others in Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Seattle, have cited policies against political messaging and potential Hatch Act violations as reasons for not airing the video. The Hatch Act prohibits government employees from engaging in partisan activities, and experts argue Noem’s message crosses that line.
Legal professionals note that violations of the Hatch Act are typically investigated by the Office of Special Counsel, but consequences are unlikely under the current administration, as seen in past cases. This raises concerns about the politicization of federal agencies and the impact on non-partisan governance.
TSA screeners, already working without pay due to the shutdown, may feel pressured or discouraged by the political content, potentially affecting morale and workplace dynamics. The video’s partisan nature contrasts with usual airport communications, which focus on safety and procedures.
The government shutdown, now in its second week, involves a stalemate over funding extensions and health care subsidies, with both parties blaming each other. Noem’s video amplifies this rhetoric, but airports’ resistance highlights a pushback against injecting politics into public services.
If the Department of Homeland Security responds by threatening funding cuts, it could disrupt air travel and draw criticism. However, the standoff may persist until the shutdown ends, underscoring the broader political divisions affecting everyday American life.