Political Messaging Disrupts Airport Operations Amid Government Shutdown

Wed Oct 15 2025 03:42:15 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Airports nationwide are rejecting a political video by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that assigns blame for the federal government shutdown, citing policies against political content.

As the federal government shutdown continues to impact operations, several major airports have decided not to air a video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem due to its political nature. The video attributes blame for the shutdown to Democrats and discusses its effects on TSA operations, prompting concerns regarding adherence to the Hatch Act. The airports maintain that they strive to avoid political advocacy in their facilities, creating a significant clash between governmental messaging and local regulations.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Several airports across the United States have made the decision not to play a video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. This video attributes blame for the ongoing federal government shutdown to Democrats and discusses the adverse effects this has had on TSA operations.

Airports in cities including Las Vegas, Charlotte, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Seattle have cited airport policies and regulations that prohibit political messaging as the reason for their refusal to broadcast the video. Local airport authorities believe the content is against their policies that aim to maintain an apolitical environment.

In the video, Noem emphasizes the importance of travel efficiency while noting that many TSA employees are currently working without pay due to the shutdown's impact. This has raised concerns about the legality of her statements under the 1939 Hatch Act, which restricts political activities of federal employees.

The shutdown has caused significant disruptions, with airports scrambling to handle flight operations. Democratic leaders in Congress are insisting that any negotiations to reopen the government must also address healthcare funding, while Republicans are stating they will only discuss funding measures after the government has been funded.

One major point of contention remains the expiration of subsidy payments at the end of December, which could lead to a steep increase in insurance premiums.

Despite repeated outreach, airport officials expressed their commitment to remaining neutral. The Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas pointed out that its regulations are meant to prevent the airport from becoming a public forum for political discourse, and many officials have described the tone of the video as alarmist.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins outright rejected the video for its local airport, calling it inappropriate and inconsistent with public expectations from national officials. He emphasized the need for stable and responsible messaging during times of crisis.

In conclusion, while the Department of Homeland Security seeks to convey operational priorities through the video, its political nature has provoked backlash from major airports and local officials alike, highlighting the ongoing tensions between federal messaging and local regulations during a sensitive period.