It’s not every day the TSA tries to make airport checkpoints political, but that’s exactly what Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem did with a new partisan video on the government shutdown, prompting several airports to refuse to play along.
Airports Reject Kristi Noem’s Political TSA Video Blaming Democrats For Shutdown
A growing number of U.S. airports have declined to display a Department of Homeland Security video in which Secretary Kristi L. Noem blames congressional Democrats for the government shutdown and related travel disruptions. The video was intended to play on screens at TSA checkpoints, but airports from Portland to Phoenix have refused to air it, calling the message inappropriate and partisan.
Officials in Buffalo, Charlotte, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, and Portland all confirmed they declined to show the video. Many cited policies prohibiting political messaging or laws that restrict the use of public resources for political purposes.
“We believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits use of public assets for political purposes and messaging,” said Molly Prescott, spokesperson for the Port of Portland, which operates Portland International Airport. She added that Oregon law also forbids public employees from promoting or opposing political parties while on the job. “This is the first time to our knowledge that the Port has declined to play a video,” she said.
In neighboring Westchester County, just north of New York City, officials also refused to show the message. County Executive Ken Jenkins called it “inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials” and “unnecessarily alarmist.”
An Unusual Message For Airport Screens
Airports routinely play short DHS messages from the Homeland Security Secretary around holidays or policy changes. Past clips have been procedural, including reminders about ID requirements, prohibited items, or TSA safety updates. Noem’s new message, however, strayed far from that neutral tone.
In the video, Noem begins with the standard line: “It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible.” But then she pivots sharply into politics, declaring, “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted.”
She concludes: “We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel. And our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”
Airports Caught In The Middle
For publicly owned airports, the message poses legal as well as ethical problems. Displaying the video is likely a violation of the Hatch Act, a 1939 law barring federal employees from engaging in political activity on the job, or of state laws that restrict political advocacy using public property.
That’s not a small concern for airport authorities who depend on the federal government for FAA infrastructure funding. As Britton noted, some local officials may feel pressure to “play along” to avoid friction with Washington.
Others simply lack the infrastructure to play such videos with sound at all. Several airport representatives noted that TSA messaging is often silent or handled through third-party screen systems not directly controlled by DHS.
Meanwhile, the shutdown continues to affect thousands of unpaid TSA workers and air traffic controllers. The impact is being felt across major hubs, though we’ve been spared widespread delays and cancellations thus far.
CONCLUSION
TSA checkpoint videos are meant to reassure passengers, not campaign for one political party over another. By blaming Democrats for the shutdown in a video intended for public display at airports, Secretary Noem crossed a line that most local authorities wisely refused to follow.
Airports aren’t campaign venues. The last thing passengers need before a flight, especially during a government shutdown, is a partisan message in the security line. That said, I still believe Senate Democrats need to vote for cloture such that the continuing resolution can pass and the government reopened again…today would be ideal.
> Read More: Kristi Noem Blames Democrats For Shutdown In New Video Playing At U.S. Airports
Hide your dogs, brainless Kristi is on her way!
Its a bit disappointing, I really think she right on this.
But the airport is not the place for this.
Matthew, unfortunately, someone is impersonating me.
I am of course opposed to this as it is an apparent violation of the Hatch Act.
It’s also a lie.
Republicans have majorities in both the House and Senate. If Republicans all voted to end the shutdown, it would end then and there. But they won’t. So of course, liars blame the Democrats, because they lie about everything.
Stop equivocating and “blaming both sides.” The video is objectively a lie. Don’t be afraid to call it what it is.
Facts are facts. Liars are scumbags.
To be more precise, Thune would have to use nuclear option in Senate.
Oh, man, I don’t wanna upset the ‘late great’ Bears linebacker… sir, I know this is confusing, but there are two different people with the same name in this thread. The impersonator is in-support of Noem; the original ‘1990’ is against Noem’s abuse of power. Yes, the Republicans could end this today, by negotiating in good-faith with the Democrats (or as Matthew suggests, by using the so-called ‘nuclear option,’ reducing the threshold to just 50 votes to pass legislation in the Senate, which, honestly, I’m surprised they haven’t already done, because… *gestures broadly* they don’t care about rules, ethics, or norms anymore, apparently.)
Matthew Klint, feel free to delete this entire post, because it’s not me.
Imposter 1990,
Since you seem to be obsessed with me, youd know i never want to censor anyone!
Nice try pal…not!
I’ve said before that I won’t “self-censor”… There is a difference. Folks such as yourself clearly do not agree with my stances here or elsewhere, so you seek to ‘confuse’ others by use of impersonation. It’s not my site, so I cannot literally stop you from doing so, but anyone who’s seen my stuff, knows that I would not be in-favor of what the Secretary is attempting to do. In a way, your attempt to deceive others… is not all that different that the administration’s attempt to ‘blame the Democrats.’ Hmm.
Thune has used the nuclear option three times this year on other types of senate votes. They could easily do so now but they think this is a winning issue for them.
A clear violation of the Hatch Act, not likely. But of course illegal or unconstitutional activity is the hallmark of this admin.
Buffalo, Charlotte, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Seattle, Portland, Westchester: Not all heroes wear capes.
Is it really a surprise? All of those cities are Democrat cities. Many have mayors actively opposing Trump. The airport is now just another extension of partisan political combat. I suppose the question is can TSA install its own TVs at the checkpoint?
Hatch Act does not (should not) allow this.
Matthew,
The imposter 1990 is trying to censor my speech, which we know both of us abhor, which is why we love your comment section Rules of Engagement. We both know I’m a champion of free speech, regardless of the (falsified) name on it!
Imposter 1990, enough!
I’m confused.
I’ll admit, I had to do a double-take, myself. Not everyday you see someone purporting to be you with the opposite opinion on a topic. Thankfully, I presume, there is only one, true Matthew Klint. Phew!
Since when does Matthew have ‘Rules of Engagement’? You sound like a one of these Russian GRU trolls that refers to our ‘Minister’ of Health (in the USA, it’s a ‘Secretary’). Matthew, you’re welcome to keep or delete anything you wish. It’s your site. But, the guy who’s siding with the administration on this topic is not the original ‘1990.’
This is not a Hatch Act violation because it is not campaigning for or against a candidate or party in an election. Merely mentioning the political party of someone is not a Hatch Act violation. Moreover, do you actually think the Trump administration is going to enforce the Hatch Act against itself?
You are wrong, Nick, and I’m tired of hearing/seeing that excuse. You should know better. The Hatch Act does not create this so-called ‘election’ technicality to evade that law or purpose. You cannot use public resources for partisan ends, with a limited exception for the President and Vice President, mostly for security purposes. Recall that the Republicans gave former VP Al Gore no end of shit when he merely made a fundraising phone call from his office at the time. This is nothing like that. Thankfully, in this case, nearly all major airports are declining to post this junk.
Good for the airports. Passengers who are trapped in TSA lines have no business being subjected to childish political drama.
This is a clear violation of the Hatch Act.
Secretary Noem, and this administration, knows what they are doing is illegal; they just happen to think they are above the law, that they can commit any crimes they wish, and simply be pardoned; also, there’s an right-wing propaganda network (on television and algorithms on all our smartphones) to promote their lies.
They are wrong to this. And when the adults are back in-charge, they should not only prosecute, but also, need to legislate sensible reforms so that things like this do not happen again.
To those who doubt, or prefer their ‘team’ over all else; think of what it would be like if the ‘other guys’ abused their power this way. We don’t want any of this. De-escalate. Negotiate over healthcare. Pay the ATC and military. Enough.
This is not a violation of the Hatch Act.
Secretary Noem, and this administration, are operating within the same legal gray areas that every administration—left and right—has navigated. Disagreeing with their politics does not make their actions criminal. To claim they “think they are above the law” is not only hyperbolic, it’s exactly the kind of rhetoric that shuts down productive debate. And blaming “right-wing propaganda” or vague algorithm conspiracies only reinforces echo chambers, rather than engaging with facts.
It is wrong to demonize every political action you dislike as a crime. When the political pendulum swings back, as it always does, calls for “prosecution” and sweeping reforms based on partisan outrage will be used as precedent—by both sides. That’s not stability. That’s escalation.
To those who fear abuse of power, remember: the system includes checks and balances—for a reason. If the “other guys” were doing the same thing, you’d want the same standard of evidence, not vibes-based accusations. Let’s not criminalize policy differences. Let’s talk. Fix healthcare. Fund essential services. De-escalate. Rebuild trust. Enough.
If I took what originally wrote, used AI to counter everything I said, but with similar style, that’s pretty much what comes out. *slow clap* Welp, between the two of us, we’re gonna juice Matthew’s ad revenue, at least, I’d hope so. Thanks (and you’re welcome?) …oof.
Although this is, of course, an improper use of taxpayer resources for partisan goals, the larger issue is that it’s factually incorrect.
The GOP could reopen the government today if they learned how to compromise amongst themselves (let alone with Democrats), as they control both houses of Congress and the presidency. Democrats are exorcising the only power they have without outright control of any branch of power by refusing to rubber stamp the GOP’s budget.
Choices are being made and, once again, the party with multiple choices is refusing to make any.
Anything good that happens is because of Donald Trump. Anything bad that happens is because of the Democrats.
Except for 34 felonies and sexual assault, Donald Trump has never been liable for anything bad.
Yeah, look on the bright side… he… uh… stopped the production of the penny? That’s ‘good,’ right?
Trump places loyalists between himself, the law, and the truth. That is how this administration and his businesses work.
Is this how it works?
Trump: “I’m thinking of appointing you to [this high-level federal job]. Do you think you’d be willing to abadon the basic integrity that is normally expected in such a position?”
Far too many: “What the heck, sure.”
Or JD Vance could do his job, stop going on Fox News, and force the Dems to read the phone book if they want to keep the government closed, reminding them, they are only allotted 2 speeches
Or JD Vance could do his job, stop going on Fox News, and force the Dems to read the phone book if they want to keep the government closed, reminding them, they are only allotted 2 speeches per legislative session
Adding ‘per legislative session’ in #2 was a nice touch.
Why couldn’t JD Vance, as president of the Senate, get off Fox News and do his job, preside over the Senate? Enforce the two speech rule. Make the Dems read the Phone Book
3rd time really is the charm!
Unfortunately the Hatch Act has all the integrity of the current administration and DOJ. No one could possibly be stupid enough to believe that current POTUS or AG will prosecute any current administration official. They buried Epstein files and Homan’s bribe and Clarence Thomas’s corruption and all the lies to Congress during Cabinet secretary hearings and Kennedy’s malfeasance and Hegseth’s lack of qualifications and Bondi’s stupidity and Noem’s airheadness and …
We couldn’t have expected anything different once we elected a compulsive serial pathologic liar, flip-flopping, pathologic toxic narcissist, know-it-all, probably schizophrenic or psychopathic, arrogant, sanctimonious, psychological projecting, multiply convicted FELON, serial sexual abuser, completely corrupt, grifter, unintelligent, immature, infantile, stupid, ignorant, cheating (on all 3 wives), military service dodging, racist, conspiracy theory embracing, authoritarian, fascist, nasty, bully, corrupt, incompetent, arrogant, with 50 years multiply documented proofs for each of those allegations, devoid of morals and integrity and honesty or a single redeeming quality.
Zero respect for the Constitution and the Rule of Law.
The most tragic aspect is that the completely hypocritical GOP would be apoplectic if any Democrat administration had ever done even 1 iota of this.
Well said, Polite.
This is the O.G. 1990, not the imposter, who appears to have been in-favor of the administration’s policies, or at least was attempting to ‘both sides’ this above, which is clearly a farce, because there is no comparison; one side has clearly gone full-blown authoritarian, and they don’t seem to think they’ll ever be held accountable; they’re wrong.
Now, where are those typical naysayers and sycophantic looneys that race onto forums like this to disagree and spread false equivalencies and other logical fallacies? Where’s @Walter Barry, @Andy S?
Thank you 1990. Hopefully they’ve gone the way of Butthole Brandon, never to be heard from again. With any luck, Douchebag Dave Edwards & Sch*tt Hsuan & Dirtbag Derek & A**hole Aaron will all do the same although the prospects unfortunately are NOT in favor of intelligence, civility, rationality and democracy.
FWIW, when I posted as “Dave Edwards”, writing the opposite of his/her/it’s/they’s usual racist vitriol, Matthew immediately scolded and wrote that it was unacceptable. Maybe he’ll do the same thing with the other 1990(s). If not, bear in mind that “imitation is the highest form of flattery”.
Thank you for clarifying. I’m learning more about this greater ‘ecosystem’ of the various travel/credit card blog sites. I greatly respect what folks like Matt, Gary, Ben, William and Chuck, etc., do in order to share their knowledge, experience, and recommendations, while also enabling a space for the larger ‘community’ to exchange ideas as well. That’s why I admire LALF, VFTW, OMAAT, and DOC, specifically, because, they allow comments, and tend not to micromanage us, yet, that ‘openness’ leads to abuse, sometimes, and/or abhorrent, hate-filled nonsense other times. What a challenging balance that must be. Of course, there’s also the incentive to maintain engagement for ad revenue, commissions on card links, etc. The irony is that the biggest player, TPG, gave up on comments years ago, yet, they still pump out ‘below public best offer’ links to the unassuming masses. That, to me, is truly shameful. At least when DoC puts up a link, I trust that it’s actually the public best offer around. And if it’s all the same, I’ll use one of Matt’s or Gary’s or Ben’s links to support them, if P2 doesn’t have a referral. Anyway, respect.
Polite & 1990. It’s likely cairns angry at being called out for complaining about Matthew on Omaat.
This is somewhat ‘meta,’ but I’ve been learning more about the parent company, Boarding Area, and all of their various blogs and bloggers. Not sure the exact relationship between them all, who pays who, pyramid this or that, but it is all fascinating.
@ Matthew — Kristi Noem’s standard video is cringe-worthy, so airports should jist refuse to play her videos, period.
Hi Gene, good to see you here, as well. In addition to LALF, VFTW, OMAAT, DOC, any other sites that you frequent?
Gene has been here since the very start in 2009!
We love Gene and FCQ!
That’s high-praise, Gene! You deserve it!
Both Dallas airports (not exactly a bastion of blue) and MCI also refused to play them:
https://www.dallasnews.com/business/airlines/2025/10/14/dfw-love-field-punt-on-trump-admin-video-that-blames-democrats-for-shutdown/
https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article312498258.html
That’s fairly impressive. Perhaps, there is bipartisan support to end this shutdown… among the constituents (just not the politicians.) And, also, maybe, it’s best that the American people literally receive their health insurance premium notices, so that the Republican’s bluff would be called (and the Democrats would be vindicated in their efforts to fight for those subsidies for American’s healthcare.)
Love how you’re pushing the party line that “democracy’s should vote to open the government”. Guess healthcare should only be for those who can afford it.
Propaganda uber alles
I’m not even a Democrat but even I can acknowledge this is a ghastly abuse of power by Noem