Some airports blocking political video criticizing Democrats amid shutdown

Chase Jordan, The Charlotte Observer on Oct 14, 2025

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte’s airport is refusing to display a video at its security checkpoints from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem, in which she blames Democrats for the federal government shutdown.

Charlotte Douglas International said in a emailed statement that North Carolina municipal law and the airport’s policy for digital content do not permit the video. The airport is not alone in its decision, according to media reports. Airports serving large regions such as Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Portland are also declining to show Noem’s video.

In general, many airport officials said the video may violate internal rules against political messages or state laws prohibiting the use of public resources for political purposes.

In the video first obtained by Fox News, Noem said the Transportation Security Administration’s top priority is to make sure passengers have a pleasant and efficient airport experience.

“However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted,” Noem said.

She added that TSA employees are currently working without pay in the 37-second video.

“We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel,” she said. “And our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”

Specifically, the North Carolina General Statute 160A-169, which governs political activities of government employees, prohibits the use of city equipment for partisan or political purposes unless otherwise authorized by law.

The Charlotte airport's policy states that only business or government advertisements are permitted at the airport. But ads concerning politics, religion, public issues or opinions on these topics are not allowed.

Airports around the country have similar rules, according to news reports. The Port of Portland, which runs Portland’s airport in Oregon, cited the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in politics at work, The Washington Post reported. The act is also intended to ensure federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion.

The TSA does not own any monitors at Charlotte's checkpoints. The digital screens owned by the airport are used to support wayfinding maps, travel information and its revenue-generating services.

The government shutdown started Oct. 1, and led to a shortage of controllers, The Charlotte Observer reported. That led to ongoing delays at major airports serving large regions such as Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix and New York, according to multiple news reports.

_____