Kristi Noem Featured in Partisan Shutdown Video Set to Air in Airports

In a move that has raised eyebrows across Washington, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has appeared in another taxpayer-funded video campaign, this time placing blame on Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown that has left Transportation Security Administration workers without pay.

The video, confirmed by DHS officials, is set to air in airports nationwide as travelers navigate the disruptions caused by the funding lapse. According to reports first published by Fox News, Noem’s message warns viewers about potential changes to airport operations while explicitly faulting congressional Democrats for “refusing to fund the federal government.” The secretary concludes with a pointed political statement: “Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”

This latest media effort follows a controversial $200 million campaign earlier this year that featured Noem thanking President Donald Trump for his administration’s immigration policies. Critics questioned both the effectiveness and appropriateness of that expenditure, with little evidence demonstrating tangible results from the substantial investment.

The use of government resources for what appears to be partisan messaging has intensified scrutiny of Noem’s leadership style at DHS. MSNBC’s Chris Hayes previously characterized her tenure by noting that “every day is Halloween” for the secretary, referencing her penchant for camera-ready events and publicity stunts. The New York Times went further, dubbing her agency the administration’s “Department of Homeland Publicity” in a telling assessment of priorities.

While government officials occasionally produce informational videos during crises or disruptions, Noem’s latest production crosses into explicitly partisan territory by assigning blame for the shutdown to one political party rather than providing neutral guidance for travelers affected by the situation.

The timing is particularly sensitive as thousands of TSA workers continue performing essential duties without receiving paychecks during the shutdown. Airport operations nationwide have begun showing signs of strain, with some locations reporting longer security lines and service limitations as the funding impasse continues.

Government ethics experts have questioned whether such overtly political messaging falls within appropriate boundaries for taxpayer-funded communications. Federal guidelines generally restrict the use of public funds for partisan activities, though the lines between informational outreach and political advocacy can sometimes blur.

Noem, who previously served as governor of South Dakota before joining Trump’s Cabinet, has cultivated an image as one of the administration’s most media-conscious officials. Her approach aligns with the president’s well-established preference for officials who can effectively deliver the administration’s message through television and other visual media.

The DHS has not yet disclosed the cost of producing and distributing this latest video campaign, nor has it provided a comprehensive list of which airports will display the message. The department also hasn’t addressed questions about the approval process for the video’s partisan content.

As air travelers encounter these messages in terminals across the country, the incident highlights the increasingly blurred lines between government information, political messaging, and taxpayer resources in the current administration. With the shutdown continuing to affect federal workers and services nationwide, the controversy surrounding Noem’s video adds another dimension to the already contentious political environment in Washington.

Both Democratic lawmakers and government watchdog organizations have indicated they may seek further information about the funding and authorization process behind the video campaign in the coming days.