US Air Hubs Reject Kristi Noem Video Blaming Democratic Party for Federal Closure

Several key global airports across the United States, such as Phoenix's Sky Harbor, Harry Reid International, Seattle–Tacoma, and Charlotte Douglas Airport in NC, have decided to block a video from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem that blames Democrats for the continuing federal government shutdown from being shown at their security checkpoints.

Legal Concerns Cited by Airport Authorities

Airport authorities in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Nevada, Seattle, Washington, Portland, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Westchester, New York have refused to show the footage at security checkpoints, stating that the political statements could violate state and federal law, such as the Hatch Act of 1939, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan actions.

“Democratic legislators refuse to finance the federal government, and as a result, many of our activities are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are unpaid,” the Secretary said in the video.

The Port of Portland Reaction

The Port of Portland noted that it “would not agree to displaying the video in its current form, as we believe the Hatch Act explicitly forbids use of public assets for political purposes.” It added that Oregon law prohibits government staff from supporting or criticizing any party affiliation and that consenting to broadcast this content would violate state law.

Las Vegas Statement

Las Vegas's Harry Reid International Airport also refused to display the TSA video on comparable reasons, saying in a statement that “the video's message included political messaging that was inconsistent with the impartial, educational nature of the PSAs usually displayed at security checkpoints” and also referenced the federal act.

Understanding the Hatch Act Regulations

The Hatch Act of 1939 is a U.S. law that prohibits political activities by federal employees to guarantee that government programs remain unbiased.

Further Airport Rejections

• Phoenix Sky Harbor airport explained that it “refused to display the PSA” to stay “in line with airport policy,” which does not allow partisan material.
• The Port of Seattle, which operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, similarly declined, citing “the partisan tone of the content.”
• Charlotte airport clarified that state municipal law and the airport's rules for digital content “do not permit the video in question.” The airport also noted that the TSA lacks ownership of any screens at its security areas and that its limited display monitors are designated for wayfinding, flight updates, and revenue-generating services.

Westchester County Criticism

Westchester County, in a public comment, described the PSA “unacceptable, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the standards we expect from our nation’s top public officials.”

“The PSA makes political the effects of a federal government shutdown on security operations,” the county leader said, noting that the message was “overly alarming” and “undermines customer confidence.”

Homeland Security Response

A DHS assistant secretary, an agency representative, repeated Noem’s language to blame “partisan tactics” in a response, adding that “Democratic leaders will shortly recognize the significance of reopening the government.”

Bipartisan Calls for Resolution

The Port of Seattle commented that it continued to “urge cooperative actions to end the government shutdown” and was working to identify methods to assist federal employees working without pay during the closure.