Airports are refusing to air video of Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for government shutdown

Airports across the United States are refusing to show a video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that blames Democrats for the government shutdown. The shutdown, which began on October 1, has led to widespread flight delays, many linked to staffing shortages at air traffic control towers. In the video, Noem stated that Democrats' refusal to fund the federal government was impacting TSA operations and causing employees to work without pay. She urged Democrats to recognize the importance of opening the government. The Trump administration has consistently blamed Democrats for the shutdown, a stance also reflected in pop-up messages on government websites. However, airports in cities such as Buffalo, Charlotte, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, and Portland have declined to air the video. They cite concerns about violating internal policies or state and federal laws that prohibit political messaging on public assets, particularly referencing the Hatch Act, which aims to ensure nonpartisan administration of federal programs. Some officials have described the video as "unnecessarily alarmist" and inconsistent with public official conduct. The Homeland Security Department defended the video, reiterating its message and stating that security operations remain largely unaffected, while lamenting the workforce's position due to "political gamesmanship." This situation mirrors past instances where government agencies have been accused of partisan actions, including a lawsuit filed by a federal workers' union alleging ... download the app to read more