In a controversial move, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released a video message intended for airport TSA checkpoints that places blame squarely on Democratic members of Congress for the federal government shutdown. In the video, Noem asserts that “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government,” leading to operational disruptions and forcing TSA employees to work without pay.

As the message began to circulate, numerous major airports—such as those in New York, Seattle, Phoenix, and San Francisco—refused to air it, citing policies against politically partisan content and concerns about violations of the Hatch Act, the federal law prohibiting use of government resources for political campaigning.

Public reaction was swift. Some dubbed the video an overt political advertisement masquerading as a public safety announcement. Democratic senators have called for investigations, claiming Noem’s message crossed legal boundaries by politicizing federal operations. Meanwhile, in response, several airports formally declined to display the video, emphasizing their commitment to nonpartisan operations and adherence to legal and ethical standards.

The episode underscores heightened tensions over the shutdown and the role of federal agencies in shaping public perception during politically charged standoffs.