Airport Lines Become Focus of Governor Noem’s Media Campaign

In a move criticized as politically charged, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has begun addressing air travelers with a message blaming Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown, now entering its second week.

The recorded announcement, played to captive audiences waiting in Transportation Security Administration screening lines across U.S. airports, explicitly points to Democrats as the cause of the shutdown that has left many TSA employees working without pay.

“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe,” Noem states in the video. “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.”

This latest communication tactic joins a pattern of government messaging under the Trump administration that critics characterize as propaganda. Previous examples include deportation raids packaged as action movie-style social media videos and massive banners displaying President Trump’s face on government buildings. Plans also reportedly exist for a commemorative coin featuring Trump’s image, despite laws prohibiting the portrayal of living presidents on U.S. currency.

The airport announcement raises questions about potential violations of the Hatch Act, a 1939 bipartisan law officially titled “An Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities.” The legislation, named after Democratic Senator Carl Hatch of New Mexico, restricts federal employees from engaging in certain political activities while on duty.

While Noem’s message does not explicitly mention upcoming elections, it walks a fine line with the Hatch Act’s prohibition against “engaging in political activity while on duty; on federal property; while wearing a uniform or official insignia; or in a government vehicle.”

Legal experts note that enforcement of the Hatch Act has been inconsistent in recent years. During Trump’s first term, the Office of Special Counsel found that then-aide Kellyanne Conway repeatedly violated the Act, but no consequences followed. Similarly, the OSC determined that 11 Trump aides violated the Hatch Act during the 2020 campaign with no resulting disciplinary action.

The enforcement landscape has shifted further since Trump returned to office. He quickly removed Hampton Dellinger as head of the Office of Special Counsel, the independent agency tasked with enforcing the Hatch Act and protecting whistleblowers. Dellinger initially challenged his dismissal but later abandoned the effort, citing poor prospects of success with the current Supreme Court.

As Dellinger’s replacement, Trump nominated 30-year-old Paul Ingrassia, a supporter who Trump has described as his “favorite writer.” Ingrassia, admitted to the bar just last summer, has reportedly shared conspiracy theories and faced a since-dropped sexual harassment allegation, according to media investigations. Notably, Ingrassia currently serves as White House liaison between the administration and DHS—the same department Noem now leads.

The Trump White House has defended its approach by pointing to precedent. During the Biden administration, the Office of Special Counsel determined that naming the opposition party when criticizing actions did not constitute a Hatch Act violation. The White House also compiled examples of Biden officials making political statements, including references to “MAGA Republicans” in official communications.

While the Trump administration continues attributing blame for the shutdown to Democrats, with White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson calling it “an objective fact,” the reality is more nuanced. Republicans currently control all branches of government in Washington. The impasse stems from Democrats’ refusal to support spending legislation unless Republicans agree to extend Affordable Care Act marketplace subsidies.

As the shutdown continues affecting federal workers and services nationwide, travelers passing through America’s airports now find themselves unwitting recipients of this politically charged message from one of the nation’s highest-ranking security officials.