Multiple airports across the country are refusing to play a video produced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that blames Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown. The video, featuring DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, has sparked controversy and has been met with resistance from airport authorities due to its political nature and potential violation of regulations. The shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has led to a stalemate between Democrats and Republicans over funding extensions for health insurance tax credits and government re-opening. This has resulted in essential federal workers, including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers, working without immediate pay, causing staffing shortages and flight delays.
In the video, Secretary Noem states, 'Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, impacting our operations and forcing TSA employees to work without pay.' The DHS aims to highlight the impact of the shutdown on travelers, but the video's political message has raised concerns among airport management. The Port of Portland, overseeing Portland International Airport, cited the Hatch Act, which prohibits the use of public assets for political purposes, as a reason for not consenting to play the video. Similarly, the Port of Seattle and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have also refused to air the video due to its political nature and potential violation of regulations.
The controversy extends to other airports as well, including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Westchester County Airport, O'Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, and Boston's airports. These airports have chosen not to play the video, citing concerns about promoting political messages and maintaining a neutral stance. Some officials, like Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, have called the video inappropriate and inconsistent with the values of public officials, emphasizing the need for non-partisan communication during critical times.
Despite the controversy, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended the video, stating that security operations remain largely unaffected. However, the airports' decision to withhold the video highlights the complex relationship between political messaging and public institutions, raising questions about the appropriate role of government in influencing public perception during a crisis.
