Airports in the New York City area have opted not to air a video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that criticizes Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown. This decision comes as Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her outrage over the “false” and “nakedly partisan” narrative being presented.
JFK International, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International airports have implemented a ban on the 36-second video which contained “politically partisan” language, according to statements from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
“While Kristi Noem is busy advocating for the defunding of police in New York, she is also subjecting travelers to blatantly false and politically charged messages,” Hochul, a Democrat, declared in a statement to The Post.
“In New York, our priority is to maintain safety for travelers, which includes refraining from airing political advertisements in our airports.”
The controversial video warns viewers about potential disruptions and staffing issues caused by the shutdown, and will not be shown at any airport in New York managed by government entities, according to a source.
The Port Authority, which manages Stewart International Airport in Newburgh and Teterboro Airport in New Jersey, stated that Noem’s video breaches its “longstanding policies” against airing political content on airport screens.
Noem, who supervises the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), distributed the video to all public airports in the U.S. last week for broadcast at TSA checkpoints.
“It is TSA’s main mission to ensure you have a smooth and safe airport experience. However, Democrats in Congress are refusing to provide funding for the federal government,” Noem says in the PSA.
“Consequently, many of our operations are affected and a majority of TSA personnel are working without salary,” she adds.
“We will make every effort to prevent delays that could affect your travel plans,” Noem continues. “We hope that Democrats will soon see the need to reopen the government.”
The partial government shutdown commenced on October 1, following a failed vote by all but three Senate Democrats on a continuing resolution that would have financed Washington through November 21.
The video has been rejected by major U.S. airports, including those in Las Vegas, Charlotte, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Seattle, with officials stating that its political nature violates guidelines against airing “political” or “inappropriate” material.
Additionally, three other airports in New York — Niagara Falls International Airport, Buffalo Niagara International Airport, and Westchester County Airport — are also refraining from broadcasting the video.
“It’s disheartening that our workforce is caught up in this political maneuvering,” stated DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement to The Post.
“Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”
