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Albany International Airport has removed a video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which blamed Democrats for the ongoing federal government shutdown. The video, displayed at the TSA security checkpoint, sparked controversy for injecting political messaging into airport operations. According to Politico, the video was placed on TSA-owned monitors without prior notice to the airport authority. Albany International stated that the removal aligns with its policy against displaying political content.
The shutdown, now in its second week, has caused significant disruptions at airports nationwide. The video, first obtained by Fox News, begins with Noem discussing travel but quickly shifts to criticize Democrats in Congress for not funding the government. Many airports across the country have refused to show the video, citing concerns over its political nature and potential violations of the Hatch Act, which prohibits government employees from engaging in political activities.
Keith Jeffries, a former TSA federal security director, noted that such politically charged messages are unusual in the workplace. Legal experts like John Berry have pointed out that the video may violate the Hatch Act, as it involves political activity by a government official. However, consequences are unlikely, given that President Donald Trump would decide on any potential violations.
The Department of Transportation has previously threatened states with the loss of federal funding for non-compliance with federal requirements, but it remains unclear if airports will face similar threats over this issue. The situation raises questions about the balance between federal authority and airport autonomy in determining what content is appropriate for display.