TL/DR –
Several airports in California and across the US have refused to air a video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for delays due to the federal government shutdown. Airport officials in California stated they are not playing the video, citing it as inappropriate. The video is also under investigation for potentially violating the Hatch Act, which ensures federal programs are administered nonpartisanly and protects federal employees from political coercion at work.
Various California Airports Refuse to Air DHS Secretary’s Video
Numerous airports in California, including John Wayne Airport in Orange County and San Francisco International Airport, have declined to display a video featuring U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Noem’s film blames Democrats for flight delays due to the federal shutdown.
The video, intended for passengers in TSA security lines, comes amid the government’s shutdown in its third week due to Congress’ failure to agree on funding legislation. In the video, Noem asserts the Democrats’ refusal to fund the government has affected operations and left TSA employees unpaid.
Objections to the Video
Several airport officials label the video as inappropriate, refusing to play it. Sen. Maria Cantwell, a ranking member of the Senate’s Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, has called for an investigation into Noem for possible Hatch Act violations. The Hatch Act aims to ensure nonpartisan federal program administration and protect federal employees from political coercion.
According to officials, the video was received by airports following a verbal request from DHS to display it at security checkpoints. However, it’s not limited to California; airports in Oregon, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Seattle have also declined to play it, according to LA Times.
Varying Reasons for Rejection
Reasons for refusing to broadcast the video vary. In Orange County, the airport has not yet made a final decision on the video, while in Burbank, political messaging is prohibited. Meanwhile, San José’s spokesperson mentioned no shutdown impacts, hence no need for the video.
San Francisco International Airport officials deemed the video unhelpful. They state that checkpoint messaging is limited to information assisting passengers in security screening, which Noem’s video doesn’t meet.
When asked about airports refusing to air Noem’s video, Homeland Security officials responded by redistributing Noem’s video statement blaming Democrats.
Not Just in California
Other states’ officials have also expressed opposition to the video. Oregon law forbids public employees from politicking on-duty, and New York officials described the video as inappropriate and inconsistent with top public officials’ expected values.
Despite the shutdown and lack of remuneration, the Homeland Security website confirms that over 61,000 TSA employees continue to work.
—
Read More US Political News