Tampa International Airport won’t show controversial Kristi Noem video, but not for the reason you think

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is not showing a controversial video provided by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the ongoing federal government shutdown, but it’s not necessarily because they object to the message.

TPA Communications Manager Beau Zimmer told Florida Politics the airport “does not currently have video screens at our TSA security checkpoints,” and therefore cannot display the provided video message.

Additionally, he said screens at the airport terminals “are set up to display static images and messaging only.”

Noem’s Office provided a video, first reported by Fox News^[1], meant to be played at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security lines explaining that it’s “TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe.”

But the video then ventures into politicking.

“However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”

Several airports^[2] across the country, including in Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, North Carolina and New York, have refused to air the video citing various reasons, including a possible violation of the Hatch Act, a 1939 law prohibiting political activities among federal employees. The law is meant to ensure that the government operates in a nonpartisan way.

Denver International Airport is also not airing the video, citing similar reasons as TPA — they don’t have monitors at TSA checkpoints with audio capabilities. At nearby Colorado Springs Airport, officials said the video violates its advertising policy^[3], which, like the Hatch Act, prohibits content that could be construed as political.

TPA has not experienced significant delays related to the ongoing government shutdown, now on Day 14, but some airports across the country have. Nearly 30,000 delays were reported over the holiday weekend, according to the Fast Company^[4], which reported on Flight Aware data.

The delays are largely due to a shortage of air traffic controllers who are required to report to work without pay during the shutdown because they are considered essential federal government employees. But some air traffic controllers have called in sick or otherwise not shown up.

TSA employees, such as those who manage security checkpoints at airports, are also essential employees who are not receiving pay during the shutdown.

At TPA, such employees are only receiving a partial paycheck this week and will miss their full paycheck in two weeks. TPA is partnering with Feeding Tampa Bay and the United Way to provide resources and assistance^[5] to affected employees, including free bus rides, grocery assistance, utility support, child care assistance, pet food, emotional support and short-term loans.