Major U.S. airports are pushing back against a controversial Department of Homeland Security (DHS) video.
The 30-second clip features Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the federal government shutdown.
It warns travelers of potential TSA delays. But several airports from coast to coast are now refusing to play it on screens at security checkpoints.
A primary driver of this decision stems from airport policies which ban political content. The video also breaches federal Hatch Act rules. These laws protect government resources from partisan use.
At the time of writing, around twenty national airports have declined to air the partisan messaging. It shows the continued tensions in the shutdown crisis.
What the Video Says
Secretary Noem’s message is direct. “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government,” she says. She adds that most TSA workers are unpaid. “We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays.”
The shutdown started October 1, 2025, and has caused flight chaos already, with ATC services spread thin in some places.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) circulated the video to airports on October 10. It targets TSA checkpoint monitors. Most hubs then rejected the messaging, and travelers are seeing empty screens instead.
Phoenix, Seattle Lead the Refusals
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) was quick to decline the airing of the video. Spokesperson Jon Brodsky explained: “We declined to post the video,” saying it violates their non-partisan rules.
Arizona’s Tucson and Gateway airports agree. Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) then followed suit. A Port of Seattle spokesperson noted the “political nature of the content.” They urge bipartisan fixes instead, with both cities proving West Coast unity.
Detroit differs, with DTW playing the video on TSA screens. But even Michigan sees refusals elsewhere, like Grand Rapids.
A Growing List of Major U.S. Airport Refusals
The refusals spread wide. Here’s a quick table of key players:
More airports are joining daily, with New York‘s JFK and LaGuardia topping the East Coast list. California’s LAX and SFO lead the West, while Atlanta’s massive hub says no. Chicago O’Hare has followed, with Las Vegas and Portland also declining to screen the video.
Bigger Picture: Shutdown Hits Travelers
The protracted shutdown has seen furloughs of TSA staff. Flight delays have affected tens of thousands of travelers so far.
Amidst this, airports must maintain a professional neutrality, serving all travelers in a bipartisan manner. Nevertheless, DHS has pushed back, with a spokesperson blaming “Democrat gamesmanship.”
Legal experts watch closely, with some suggestions that DHS cannot force play as airport leases give them control.
