Some major U.S. airports are refusing to show a new video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in which she blames Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown.
In the video, intended to play on screens near security lines, Noem says: “It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe. However, 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.”
A spokesperson for the Port of Portland, which operates the Portland International Airport, confirmed to MSNBC that it received a request from the Transportation Security Administration to display Noem’s video message.
“However, we did not consent to playing the video in its current form, as we believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits use of public assets for political purposes and messaging,” they said, referencing the 1939 law that limits certain political activities of federal employees.
The spokesperson added: “Additionally, Oregon law states no public employee can promote or oppose any political committee, party, or affiliation. We believe consenting to playing this video on Port assets would violate Oregon law.”
A Port of Seattle spokesperson said in a statement that its airport will not play the videos “due to the political nature of the content.” The Washington Post reported that other cities with airports refusing to play the video include Buffalo, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Cleveland; Los Angeles and Phoenix. The federal government shut down nearly two weeks ago after Congress failed to reach a funding agreement before the start of the new fiscal year on Oct. 1. Essential federal employees — including air traffic controllers — must continue to work without pay until the government reopens. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to MSNBC’s request for comment.
Erum Salam is a breaking news reporter and producer for MS NOW. She previously was a breaking news reporter for The Guardian.
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