Kristi Noem Faces Criticism for Promoting Political Messages in South Dakota Airports

In an unprecedented development that has sparked controversy across the nation, multiple U.S. airports are refusing to air a Department of Homeland Security video featuring Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown.

At least 13 airports have declined to show the message, which was intended for security checkpoint viewing areas where travelers congregate before boarding flights. The video shows Secretary Noem stating: “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.”

Airport officials have cited potential violations of the Hatch Act, a federal law that restricts government employees from engaging in partisan political activities using official resources. A spokesperson from Portland International Airport explained their decision in a statement to CNN, saying: “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.”

Similarly, a representative from a Nevada airport noted they “declined” to air the message due to its “political messaging that did not align with the neutral, informational nature of the public service announcements typically shown at the security checkpoints.”

The nation is currently in day 14 of a partial government shutdown that has affected approximately 1.4 million federal employees who have been either furloughed or required to work without immediate compensation. The Transportation Security Administration has been particularly impacted, with thousands of TSA officers continuing to staff security checkpoints despite the pay interruption.

Flight operations have also suffered during the shutdown. According to MiseryMap, a flight tracking tool, thousands of flights have experienced delays since the shutdown began on October 1. These disruptions come during one of the busiest travel seasons, compounding frustrations for both travelers and transportation workers.

When questioned about the controversial video, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin defended the messaging, reiterating almost verbatim Secretary Noem’s claim that Democrats were responsible for the funding impasse.

The political standoff leading to the shutdown—the second during a Trump administration—centers largely around healthcare funding. Republican legislators have refused to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire for approximately 22 million Americans by year’s end.

Transportation industry analysts note that introducing politically charged messaging into airport environments represents a significant departure from standard practice. Airports typically limit public service announcements to safety information, security protocols, or general travel advisories that maintain political neutrality.

Legal experts suggest the video may indeed cross ethical boundaries. Federal guidelines generally prohibit using government resources for partisan communications, particularly those that explicitly assign blame to a specific political party for ongoing policy disputes.

As the shutdown continues with no immediate resolution in sight, the controversy surrounding Noem’s airport message highlights the increasingly politicized nature of government operations and raises questions about appropriate use of federal communication channels during times of fiscal crisis.

For travelers already navigating the stresses of security lines, flight delays, and crowded terminals, the addition of partisan messaging represents yet another unexpected complication in the already challenging landscape of modern air travel.