Arizona Airports Decline to Broadcast Political Message Amid Shutdown
Travelers departing from major airports in Arizona will navigate TSA security without witnessing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s video blaming Democrats for potential delays. This decision aligns with the airport’s policies to maintain neutrality and avoid political content.
“Consistent with airport policy, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport declined to post the video,” stated Jon Brodsky, the airport’s communications and outreach administrator. He emphasized that their policy prohibits political content.
Similarly, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport has chosen not to display the video. In a statement, Flagstaff officials confirmed, “We are not displaying that DHS video at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, nor have we received any directive or request from the Department of Homeland Security to do so.”
Tucson International Airport also won’t broadcast Noem’s message, which claims that “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government,” affecting airport operations. Austin Wright, Tucson’s chief communications officer, explained, “We have no screens in the TSA checkpoints where the video was requested to be played. So we have no capability to play it.” He added that even if there were screens, the message would be considered advertising, and their policy prohibits political speech in the airport.
These Arizona airports join others nationwide, such as those in Buffalo, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Seattle, and Portland, in rejecting Noem’s bid to play her video. The video begins with an assurance of TSA’s commitment to ensuring a pleasant airport experience but shifts to blaming Democrats for any operational disruptions due to the budget impasse.
Noem stated, “Because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.” This message contrasts with the typical informational content usually seen near checkpoints, which focuses on screening processes and travel requirements.
The decision not to air the video stems from internal policies against displaying political messages and concerns about the Hatch Act, which prohibits the use of public resources for political purposes.
The government shutdown has led to a division among federal employees, with non-essential staff furloughed without pay and essential workers, including TSA personnel, required to work unpaid. Despite nationwide flight delays, Tucson remains relatively unaffected. “We’re one of the lucky ones,” Wright noted, highlighting that operations continue smoothly with full staffing.
Tricia McLaughlin, assistant homeland security secretary, expressed no regrets regarding the message, reiterating Noem’s stance. “It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship,” she said, hoping for a resolution from Congress to reopen the government.
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