Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s new video message — a short clip meant to reassure air travelers during the ongoing government shutdown — is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. At least five major U.S. airports have now refused to air it, saying the message crosses a line from public service into politics.
In the video, Noem directly blames Democrats in Congress for the shutdown, telling travelers that while TSA agents are working without pay, “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government.” The video was intended to play at TSA checkpoints nationwide, giving travelers a quick update on why airport operations may be strained. But several airport authorities said the tone was too partisan — and that federal facilities aren’t the place for political messaging.
HOW HUMILIATING for Democrats.
This video from Sec. Kristi Noem is playing in airports across the country:
“Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government. Many operations are impacted, and our TSA employees are working without pay.” pic.twitter.com/RhmP6xYMhg
— Jack (@jackunheard) October 10, 2025
The pushback began in the Pacific Northwest. Officials at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Washington and Portland International Airport in Oregon said they would not display the message. The Port of Seattle issued a statement saying the content was “political in nature” and therefore not appropriate for broadcast on airport screens. “We continue to urge bipartisan efforts to end the government shutdown,” the Port said, adding that it is working to support unpaid TSA workers during the funding lapse.
Portland officials went even further, saying the video may violate the Hatch Act — a federal law that restricts political activity by government employees. “We didn’t consent to playing it, as we believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits using public assets for political purposes,” one airport representative told a local news station. Oregon law also bars public employees from promoting or opposing a political party, which officials said further justified their refusal to run the clip.
Three airports in New York — Niagara Falls International, Buffalo Niagara International, and Westchester County Airport — also opted out. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which operates the two upstate New York airports, said it has a “long-standing policy” against airing partisan material. “Therefore, we are not airing this video on airport-controlled screens,” the agency told a local NBC affiliate.
In Westchester County, Democratic County Executive Ken Jenkins called Noem’s message “inappropriate” and “unacceptable,” arguing that it politicizes what should be a straightforward communication about TSA operations. “At a time when we should be focused on stability and preparedness, this type of messaging only distracts from the real issues,” Jenkins said in a statement. “Our residents deserve clear, honest and nonpartisan communication.”
Multiple airports are now announcing they will refuse to play Kristi Noem’s government-funded video blaming “Democrats” for the government shutdown.
“We believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits use of public assets for political purposes and messaging,” one airport said. pic.twitter.com/AU15aKos4p
— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) October 13, 2025
The controversy erupted as the partial federal shutdown entered its third week. The standoff began October 1, after Senate Democrats largely rejected a temporary funding measure backed by Republicans. Only three Democrats crossed party lines to support it. The lapse in funding has affected thousands of federal workers, including TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and other essential personnel who are now working without pay.
In her video, Noem strikes a calm but firm tone, assuring travelers that the Department of Homeland Security and TSA are doing everything possible to minimize airport disruptions. “It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience possible while we keep you safe,” she says. “However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government. Because of this, many of our operations are impacted.”
The message ends on a note of optimism: “We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel. Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”
While DHS officials insist the PSA is running in airports across the country, the refusals from several high-profile hubs highlight a growing tension between public information and political messaging.
For travelers moving through airports where the video does play, the message is simple and direct. But in the airports that refused, the silence speaks almost louder — raising questions about whether even basic government communication can remain neutral in today’s hyperpartisan climate.
