Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field have declined to air a video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that blames congressional Democrats for the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The Trump administration distributed the video to airports nationwide for display at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints. Several airports, including DFW and Love Field, decided not to show it, citing policies that limit political or partisan content.
A DFW Airport spokesperson said the airport has a long-standing policy against ads related to political campaigns, tobacco, or sexually oriented businesses. “The primary purpose of the airport is to facilitate air travel,” the policy states, according to Axios. “It is the intent of the Airport Board not to designate the airport’s advertising facilities as a public forum for the dissemination, debate or discussion of political, social or religious issues.”
Love Field officials also confirmed that the video would not play in its terminals. The airport requires an approved activity permit application for all displays or activations, and no such application was received for the Noem video, according to a spokesperson.
Noem’s message, released earlier this month, said that ensuring “efficient, pleasant and safe travel” remains the TSA’s priority, but claimed “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government.” The statement sparked concerns that airing the video could violate the Hatch Act, a 1939 law designed to keep federal programs nonpartisan.
The shutdown has already strained airports nationwide. Thousands of TSA agents and air traffic controllers continue to work without pay as part of federal shutdown procedures, contributing to staffing shortages and travel delays.
While airports frequently air Department of Homeland Security safety messages, officials claimed this instance differed because the content included partisan language.
Noem concluded the video by expressing optimism that “Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”
In addition to the Dallas-area airports, other major hubs in Phoenix, Charlotte, and Portland also declined to show the video. DFW and Love Field joined several other major airports — including Phoenix, Charlotte, and Portland — in declining to air the video.