Source:
Original by: Johnny Palmadessa on Substack
Incident Overview
- Major U.S. airports have declined to broadcast a video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
- In the video, Noem blames Democrats in Congress for the current government shutdown.
Hatch Act Concerns
- The airports’ refusal is based on concerns that airing the video would violate the Hatch Act of 1939.
- The Hatch Act prohibits most executive branch employees from engaging in partisan political activity or using government resources for that purpose.
Airport Responses
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey: Cited longstanding policies against airing partisan political messages at their facilities.
- Port of Portland (Oregon): Declined to play the video, noting their belief that the Hatch Act prohibits using public assets for political messaging.
Video Content
- Noem claims in the video that Democrats’ refusal to fund the federal government is affecting operations.
- She specifically states TSA workers are impacted and working without pay as a result.
Government Shutdown Details
- The shutdown is due to a standoff between Congressional Democrats and Republicans:
- Democrats: Want a funding deal to include extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits.
- Republicans: Oppose that stipulation, causing an impasse.
Article Framing
- The article’s author frames the issue as a failure for Kristi Noem.
- Summary quote: “Democrats want to protect your healthcare. Republicans don’t.”
Source Attribution
- Spokespeople from both the Port Authority and the Port of Portland provided statements emphasizing nonpartisanship and adherence to law.
Summary:
Kristi Noem’s use of an official DHS video to deliver a partisan message was rejected by multiple major airports, who cited both policy and federal law (the Hatch Act). The incident is positioned as part of a broader partisan dispute over government funding and healthcare provisions.