Noem’s shutdown propaganda isn’t flying at US airports

Several major U.S. airports have refused to release a partisan video in which Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blames Democrats for the government shutdown and resulting travel disruptions.

According to CNNairports refusing to air the overtly political video include Harry Reid Las Vegas International Airport, Portland International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport and several New York airports. Officials in Cleveland, Los Angeles and Phoenix also said The Washington Post that playing the clip could violate internal rules against political messages – and even state or federal law.

The video, first obtained by Fox Newswas intended to be played near Transportation Security Administration lines. Noem states: “TSA’s top priority is to ensure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience possible while keeping you safe. »

“However, Democrats in Congress are refusing to fund the federal government and as a result, many of our operations are affected and most of our TSA employees are working without pay,” she said. “We will continue to do everything we can to avoid delays that could impact your travel. And we hope that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of open government.”

Airport officials didn’t believe him. A spokesperson for the Port of Portland, which operates Portland, Hillsboro and Troutdale International Airports, confirmed to Daily Kos that the Transportation Security Administration requested the video be released, but the port said no.

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“We did not consent to the release of the video in its current form because we believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits the use of public property for political purposes and messaging,” said Kara Hansen, a spokesperson for the Port of Portland. She added that Oregon law prohibits public officials from promoting or opposing any political committee or party.

“We believe that allowing this video to be released on port assets would violate Oregon law,” she said.

Adopted in 1939, the Trap Act prevents federal employees from engaging in political activities at work. Oregon law also prohibits partisan messages on public property during work hours.

“At PDX, we release videos at TSA security that explain the security screening process and reinforce security awareness,” Hansen said. “This is the first time to our knowledge that the Port has refused to broadcast a video.”

Westchester County, New York, also said no. Ken Jenkins, County Executive called the message “inconsistent with the values ​​we expect of our country’s highest public officials” and “unnecessarily alarmist” in a Friday statement.

“At a time when we should be focused on stability, collaboration, and preparedness, this type of messaging only distracts from the real issues and undermines public trust,” Jenkins wrote.

Other airports quickly followed. A Port of Seattle spokesperson told CNN that Seattle-Tacoma would not release the video “due to the political nature of the content.”

Charlotte Douglas officials also told the outlet that releasing the video violated North Carolina municipal law and airport policy, noting that TSA does not own the screening monitors.

Harry Reid International officials cited the video’s “political message which did not fit with the neutral and informative nature of public service announcements typically broadcast at security checkpoints.”

“Per airport regulations, terminals and surrounding areas are not designated as public forums, and the airport’s intent is to avoid using the facilities for political or religious advocacy,” Luke Nimmo, an airport spokesperson, told Daily Kos. “Additionally, as a facility that hosts federal operations, we remain mindful of the Hatch Act’s restrictions on political activities in government workplaces. We remain committed to providing travelers with clear information that supports a smooth and efficient screening process.”

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which operates the Buffalo and Niagara Falls airports, also told Daily Kos that its decision was based on a “longstanding policy” against partisan content.

“Therefore, we are not showing this video on airport-controlled screens,” said Kelly Khatib, a spokesperson for the NFTA.

It is not uncommon for the TSA to display short welcome messages from the head of Homeland Security at checkpoints, but these are generally apolitical and focused on security tips and procedures. Noem’s message crossed that line.

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And the timing it couldn’t be worse. As the shutdown nears the end of its second week, thousands of TSA agents and other federal workers remain on the job without pay. American airports have already been tense by staff shortages and delays, with more than 8,000 flights delayed and 1,037 canceled on Monday alone, according to Aware of theft. By late Tuesday morning, another 1,280 delays and 563 cancellations had been recorded.

It is unclear whether any airport agreed to broadcast the message. Republicans tried to send a political message through crowded TSA lines — and many airports across the country flatly rejected it. It’s the GOP’s stop to own anyway.