Chicago's O'Hare and Midway International Airports have refused a request from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to display a video featuring Secretary Kristi Noem. The video blames the ongoing U.S. government shutdown on the Democratic party, prompting several major U.S. airports to decline its broadcast.
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), which manages both airports, stated the video violates its policy against political content. The decision comes as the shutdown, now in its eighth day, causes significant air travel disruptions due to staffing shortages.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports will not play a DHS video about the government shutdown.
- The video features DHS Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the political stalemate.
- The Chicago Department of Aviation cited its advertising guidelines, which prohibit political content.
- Other major airports in New York, Phoenix, and Detroit have also refused to air the video.
- The government shutdown has led to air traffic controller shortages and flight delays.
Chicago's Stance on Political Messaging
The Chicago Department of Aviation confirmed its decision in a formal statement. Officials explained that the request from the Department of Homeland Security was reviewed and ultimately declined last week.
The rejection is based on established airport advertising rules. "Advertising at Chicago’s airports, including promotional materials and public service announcements, must comply with CDA’s Advertising Guidelines," the department's statement read. These guidelines specifically prohibit content that endorses or opposes any political party.
The CDA emphasized the importance of this policy. "These guidelines help ensure the airports remain welcoming and neutral spaces for all travelers," the statement concluded. The goal is to maintain an environment free from partisan messaging for the millions of passengers who pass through the hubs.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reinforced the city's position on social media, confirming that the airports would not participate in broadcasting the politically charged message.
Maintaining Neutrality in Public Spaces
Public transportation hubs like airports often serve a diverse, international audience. Many operators have strict policies to prevent the display of political, religious, or controversial content to avoid alienating travelers and to maintain a focus on travel-related information and services.
Content of the DHS Video
The video in question features Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressing travelers directly. She warns of potential service disruptions due to the government shutdown, which began on October 1.
However, the message quickly shifts to assign blame for the situation. In the video, Noem states:
"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. Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government."
This direct criticism of a political party is the primary reason airport authorities have cited for their refusal to display the video. The message mirrors comments made by President Donald Trump and other administration officials, who have consistently blamed Democrats for the funding impasse.
A Nationwide Rejection by Airports
Chicago is not alone in its decision. According to NBC News, numerous other major airports across the country have also declined to play the video. Airports in New York, Phoenix, and Detroit are among those that refused the DHS request.
Some officials have raised legal concerns, suggesting the video could violate the Hatch Act. This federal law restricts the political activities of federal employees and prohibits the use of government resources for partisan messaging.
What is the Hatch Act?
The Hatch Act of 1939 is a U.S. federal law that aims to ensure the federal workforce is politically neutral. It prohibits federal employees in the executive branch from engaging in some forms of political activity, particularly while on duty or using government property. The act is intended to prevent the use of public office for political campaigning.
Molly Prescott, a communications manager for the Port of Portland, which operates Portland International Airport, explained their reasoning to CNBC. "(Our airport) did not consent to playing the video in its current form, as we believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits use of public assets for political purposes and messaging," she stated via email.
Shutdown's Impact on Air Travel and Workers
The political dispute in Washington is having tangible consequences for the nation's aviation system. The government shutdown has resulted in staffing shortages among key federal employees, including air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents, who are required to work without pay.
On Tuesday, a ground delay program was implemented in Chicago due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. This has led to flight delays and disruptions for travelers at one of the country's busiest airports.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the immense pressure these federal workers are under. He noted that controllers are now worried about their personal finances in addition to the high-stress job of ensuring flight safety.
"Now what they think about as they’re controlling our airspace is, how am I going to pay my mortgage? How do I make my car payment? ... Do I have to take a second job and drive Uber when I’m already exhausted from doing a job that’s already stressful?" Duffy said.
The CDA said it is closely monitoring the situation. In a statement, the department affirmed it would work with federal partners like the FAA, TSA, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to manage any effects on staffing and services.
The Political Disagreement Behind the Shutdown
The shutdown stems from a failure in Congress to pass a funding measure to keep the government open. The central point of contention is the Democratic party's insistence on including an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits.
Democrats argue that if these credits expire at the end of the year, healthcare costs will rise significantly for many Americans. Republicans, however, have refused to include this provision in any stopgap funding bills, leading to the current deadlock.
While political leaders continue to negotiate, essential federal workers remain on the job without pay, and the traveling public faces increasing uncertainty and disruptions across the national aviation network.
