Airports Reject Kristi Noem’s Shutdown Blame Video Targeting Democrats

Travelers at Detroit Metro Airport may encounter a politically charged video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. In this video, Noem attributes the ongoing federal government shutdown to Democrats. The video, which has garnered significant controversy, raises critical questions regarding its legality and the requirement for airports to display such content.

Monitors and Political Messaging

Routine airport security checkpoints typically feature non-political communications, such as friendly messages from government officials. However, Noem’s video diverges from this norm, focusing on partisan politics during a period of governmental gridlock.

Airport Response

Over 50 airports across the United States were contacted for their stance on displaying the video. Many declined to air it on their monitors, citing technical limitations or policies against political content:

• Detroit Metro Airport confirmed that the video was shown on TSA-controlled monitors.
• Bismarck Airport in North Dakota also displayed the video.
• Albany International Airport in New York swiftly removed the video, stressing adherence to policies prohibiting political messages.

Political Context and Concerns

The federal government has been under a shutdown for two weeks, with both Republicans and Democrats exchanging blame. Republicans propose extending current funding, while Democrats insist on including enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies in any funding package.

Federal employees, including those at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), typically refrain from political discussions at work. Keith Jeffries, a former TSA federal security director, noted that Noem’s video is unusual for including negative political commentary from government officials.

Potential Legal Implications

Legal experts have raised concerns about potential violations of the Hatch Act, a law designed to maintain a non-partisan government. John Berry, a legal representative for federal employees, highlighted that Noem’s use of government resources to produce the video could be considered a political activity.

Violations of the Hatch Act generally lead to investigations conducted by the Office of Special Counsel, which reports to the president for any necessary actions. Historically, repercussions for such violations have been minimal.

Airport Authority Discretion

Airports possess the authority to manage their video content. This discretion means that they can choose not to show politically charged messages. Juliette Kayyem, a national security analyst, emphasized that no federal laws mandate airports to broadcast such videos.

Concerns linger about potential consequences for airports opting out of displaying the video, including threats from the federal government about funding cuts. With the ongoing tension surrounding air travel and governmental policies, the situation remains fluid.

It’s yet to be seen if Noem will address these refusals or if airports will face federal repercussions for their decisions regarding this politically charged content.