By Harshit | October 14, 2025 | Washington, D.C. | 10:00 AM IST
Airports Reject Homeland Security Video Blaming Democrats
Several prominent U.S. airports, including Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International, Portland International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Charlotte Douglas International, and three airports in New York, have refused to display a video from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem that criticized Democrats for the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The video, first obtained by Fox News, was intended to be displayed at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints. In it, Noem stated, “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.” She continued, “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.”
While TSA checkpoint videos often feature government officials welcoming travelers or explaining security procedures, Noem’s video was seen by several airport authorities as crossing a legal and ethical line by including a partisan political message.
Legal Concerns: Hatch Act and State Laws
Airports cited the Hatch Act, a 1939 federal law designed to prevent federal employees from engaging in political activity while conducting government business. The law ensures that federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion.
Molly Prescott, spokesperson for the Port of Portland, which operates Portland International Airport, Hillsboro Airport, and Troutdale Airport, told CNN: “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.”
Oregon state law further prohibits public employees from promoting or opposing any political party, committee, or affiliation. “Displaying this video in TSA lines would violate both federal and state law,” Prescott added.
Similarly, a Port of Seattle spokesperson confirmed that Seattle-Tacoma International Airport would not play the video due to its political nature. “We continue to urge bipartisan efforts to end the government shutdown and are working to find ways to support federal employees working without pay at SEA during the shutdown,” the spokesperson said.
Airport Policies Reinforce Rejection
Other airports reinforced that their refusal stemmed from internal policies. Charlotte Douglas International Airport cited municipal law in North Carolina and airport rules, stating, “TSA does not own any monitors at the airport’s checkpoints.”
Airports in New York also declined to show the video. Westchester County Airport, located just north of New York City, stated the message “politicizes the impacts of a federal government shutdown on TSA operations, and the County finds the tone to be unnecessarily alarmist.” County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “It is inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials.”
Similarly, a spokesperson for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which operates Niagara Falls International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport, explained that their decision was based on a “long-standing policy” banning partisan messaging in its facilities.
Political and Public Reactions
The refusal by airports to display the video highlights the tensions surrounding the ongoing government shutdown, which began October 1. Federal employees, including TSA staff, face uncertainty over paychecks, with many working without compensation.
While Secretary Noem intended the video as a public service announcement to inform travelers about TSA operations during the shutdown, critics argued that it was politically charged and potentially coercive, especially given its placement at security checkpoints.
Some Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups have called the video an inappropriate use of federal resources to advance a partisan agenda. Others have emphasized the challenges TSA officers face during the shutdown, noting that many are working without pay while maintaining airport security for millions of travelers.
TSA Operations Amid Shutdown
Despite the political dispute, airports emphasized that TSA screening and security operations continue as normal. “Our priority remains the safety and efficiency of travelers at our facilities,” said Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Airports also noted that federal guidance encourages transparency with the public but discourages partisan messaging at checkpoints.
With the shutdown ongoing, airport officials have expressed hope that a bipartisan resolution will allow federal employees to return to normal pay schedules. Meanwhile, passengers traveling through affected airports may see alternative announcements that provide neutral, factual information about TSA operations.
Conclusion
The refusal of multiple major U.S. airports to display Secretary Noem’s video underscores the legal and ethical boundaries surrounding political messaging in federal spaces. While the government shutdown continues to impact operations and personnel, the stance taken by airport authorities reflects a commitment to nonpartisan communication and adherence to both federal and state law.
As the shutdown persists, debates over the role of federal messaging and public communications are likely to continue, highlighting the delicate balance between informing the public and maintaining neutrality in government operations.
