MESSAGE MUTED: Major U.S. Airports Refuse to Play DHS Video Blaming Democrats for Shutdown Delays

A growing number of major airports across the United States are pushing back against a controversial Department of Homeland Security (DHS) video featuring Secretary Kristi Noem. The video, which was intended to be displayed on monitors in airport terminals nationwide, places blame on Democratic lawmakers for the ongoing government shutdown that has led to widespread delays in air travel and airport staffing.

However, several prominent airports  including those in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York have refused to air the message, calling it overly partisan and inappropriate for a public service setting.

The Controversial Video

The DHS video, reportedly distributed last week to airports via the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), features Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem standing in front of an American flag. In the 90-second message, Noem directly blames Democratic members of Congress for the budget stalemate that triggered the federal shutdown, which has entered its third week.

“Our aviation security personnel, air traffic controllers, and support staff are being forced to work without pay,” Noem says in the video. “And the reason is simple: Democrats in Congress are choosing politics over public safety.”

The video ends with a call for Americans to “contact their representatives” and “demand accountability.”

Airport Pushback

Within days of its distribution, airport authorities in several cities declined to show the video, citing concerns over the politicization of a public space meant to serve travelers of all political backgrounds.

“We aim to keep our terminals free from overt political messaging,” said a spokesperson for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees JFK and LaGuardia airports. “Our focus is on providing timely, accurate information to passengers  not inflaming political tensions.”

Similar sentiments were echoed by officials at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. One anonymous airport executive called the video “a tone-deaf move at a time when millions of travelers are already frustrated.”

DHS Response

The Department of Homeland Security defended the video in a statement, arguing that it was a “necessary communication” to explain the root causes of the delays and reduced staffing at airports.

“Passengers deserve to know why their travel plans are being disrupted,” said DHS spokesperson Sarah Caldwell. “Secretary Noem is committed to transparency and ensuring the public understands the consequences of Congressional inaction.”

Political Fallout

The video controversy is the latest flashpoint in a bitter budget battle that has left large portions of the federal government shuttered. Essential employees, including TSA agents and air traffic controllers, are still working  but without pay  contributing to low morale and staffing shortages.

Democratic lawmakers condemned the video as an abuse of government resources. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) called it “an outrageous attempt to weaponize public communication platforms for partisan attacks.”

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the union representing many federal workers affected by the shutdown, issued a statement urging the government to “focus on reopening agencies and paying essential workers  not playing the blame game.”

What’s Next?

With no resolution in sight and political tensions rising, airport authorities say they will continue to prioritize clear, nonpartisan communication with passengers.

“In times of crisis, our duty is to serve the traveling public  not to act as a platform for political theater,” said a senior official at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.