Several major U.S. airports have declined a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) request to air a video blaming Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown, citing laws and policies against partisan political messaging.
DHS Video Sparks Airport Backlash
The federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has now entered its second week, with Democrats and Republicans locked in a stalemate over how to reopen the government.
Democrats have demanded an extension of expiring health insurance tax credits, while Republican leaders insist on reopening the government first before negotiating policy changes.
Amid the shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security released a public information video featuring Secretary Kristi Noem, which places blame on Democrats for the budget impasse.
“Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted and most of our TSA employees are working without pay,” Noem says in the video.
“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.”
The video began airing on Thursday, according to a DHS spokesperson — but multiple airports across the country say they have refused to play it, citing federal and state restrictions on partisan communications.
Airports Cite Legal and Ethical Concerns
Airports in Portland, Seattle, New York, Chicago, Boston, Charlotte, and Phoenix have all declined to air the DHS video.
Portland International Airport
“We did not consent to playing the video in its current form,” said Molly Prescott, spokesperson for the Port of Portland.
She cited the Hatch Act, a 1939 federal law designed to prevent the use of government resources for political purposes.
“We believe consenting to play this video on Port assets would violate Oregon law and the Hatch Act, which clearly prohibits use of public assets for political messaging,” Prescott said.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
A spokesperson for the Port of Seattle said the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) also declined to play the video “due to the political nature of the content.”
“We continue to urge bipartisan efforts to end the shutdown and are finding ways to support federal employees working without pay at SEA,” the spokesperson added.
Major Northeast Airports Also Decline
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), confirmed it is not showing the DHS video either.
“The Port Authority’s longstanding policies prevent airing politically partisan messages at our facilities,” spokesperson Cheryl Albiez said.
Airports in Buffalo, Westchester County, and Boston followed suit.
The Massachusetts Port Authority noted that it has no video screens at TSA checkpoints and does not plan to display the message elsewhere.
Midwest and Southern Airports Join Opposition
Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport also confirmed they will not air the video.
Charlotte Douglas Airport cited North Carolina municipal law, which, like other jurisdictions, prohibits the use of public facilities for political content.
“CLT Airport’s policy for digital content does not permit the referenced video,” the airport said in a statement.
Local Leaders Condemn the Message
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins criticized the video as “inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials.”
“At a time when we should be focused on ensuring stability, collaboration, and preparedness, this type of messaging only distracts from the real issues and undermines public trust,” Jenkins said.
“Our residents deserve clear, honest, and nonpartisan communication — especially on matters of national security and public safety.”
The Hatch Act and Political Neutrality
The Hatch Act, enacted in 1939, restricts the political activities of federal employees and prohibits the use of federal programs or property for partisan purposes.
Airport authorities say playing the DHS video would violate both the spirit and letter of the law, as well as state-level ethics rules governing the use of public facilities.
DHS Responds
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reiterated the department’s position in a statement similar to Noem’s remarks, emphasizing that security operations remain largely unaffected by the shutdown.
However, McLaughlin did not comment on the airports’ decisions not to air the video.
Meanwhile, the shutdown continues to strain airport staffing, with TSA officers and air traffic controllers required to work without immediate pay. Increased absenteeism has led to flight delays and cancellations nationwide.
🔍 The Bigger Picture
The controversy underscores the political tension surrounding the shutdown, as agencies struggle to communicate with the public without crossing legal or ethical lines.
While DHS frames the message as a travel update, airport authorities across the country see it as a partisan message disguised as public information — and are choosing to keep politics off their screens.
