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Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) is among several airports refusing to play a video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which blames Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown. The video, intended for display at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints, claims that "Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government," impacting TSA operations and leaving many employees working without pay.
According to CNN, the video has sparked controversy for injecting political messaging into airport security processes. Many airports, including those in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, have decided not to show the video, citing policies against displaying political content. HIA stated the video "does not provide any value to improving the passenger experience."
Politico reports that more than half of the 25 busiest U.S. airports have refused to air the video. Some airports, like Detroit Metropolitan, have played it on TSA-leased monitors, while others, such as those in Seattle and Phoenix, have declined due to state and federal laws, including the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activities.
The Guardian notes that airports like Las Vegas and Portland have also refused to display the video, citing similar legal concerns. The Department of Homeland Security has not commented on whether it can legally compel airports to show the video. The ongoing government shutdown has led to finger-pointing between Republicans and Democrats, with each side blaming the other for the impasse.