The Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security has put out a new PSA (public service announcement) video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that it wants played at all Homeland Security screening posts at U.S. airports. Specifically, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wants the video played continuously on video monitors at the security lines at TSA checkpoints.
The administration wants the video substituted for other videos that provide safety information for travelers. The new video blames Democrats in Congress for the current government shutdown and implies that the Democrats have hurt traveler safety and security. The messaging is consistent with the shutdown messaging currently being voiced by leading Republican politicians.
Westchester County Airport late on Oct. 10 said it is refusing to play the video, with County Executive Ken Jenkins calling it “inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials.”
Westfair’s Westchester County Business Journal has reviewed the video and in it Noem says, “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. 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.”
Noem’s message is consistent with messages spread across the internet pages of various agencies controlled by the administration that blame the Democrats for the government shutdown. Questions have been raised whether the messaging violates federal law, specifically the Hatch Act, which forbids government employees from engaging in political activities while on duty and also forbids them from doing it on government property.
Noem concludes the video by saying, “We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel and our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”
According to Jenkins, “(The) PSA politicizes the impacts of a federal government shutdown on TSA Operations, and the county finds the tone to be unnecessarily alarmist – particularly as it relates to operations at Westchester County Airport.”
Jenkins says that the focus now should be on ensuring stability, collaboration and preparedness.
“This type of messaging only distracts from the real issues, and undermines public trust,” Jenkins said. “As county executive, I believe our residents deserve clear, honest and nonpartisan communication — especially when it comes to national security, government shutdown impacts, and public safety.”
Jenkins continued, “In Westchester County, we’re committed to keeping our airport running efficiently and safely, regardless of political games in Washington. The county will continue to coordinate with federal agencies to ensure that airport operations remain secure and uninterrupted for our travelers throughout any federal government shutdown.”
