Reno-Tahoe Airport will not show Department of Homeland Security video on government shutdown

Reno-Tahoe International Airport will not display a video message from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that blames Democrats for the federal government shutdown, citing airport policies and federal law.

The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority said the video does not align with its policies prohibiting support or promotion of partisan political causes or messages. Officials also noted that displaying such materials could conflict with the Hatch Act, which limits political activity in federally funded environments.

“The Hatch Act, as well as the RTAA’s policies, ensure airport facilities remain nonpartisan and focused on the safe and efficient operation of transportation services, which is in the best interest of the traveling public and our broader community,” the airport said in a statement.

Noem’s video, being rolled out to airports nationwide, says TSA’s “top priority” is helping make travel pleasant and efficient while keeping passengers safe.

The video also states that “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.”

Airports across the country, including Las Vegas, Charlotte, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Seattle, have also declined to show the video, citing policies against political messaging. Officials in some states have cited local laws, while others have said they want to avoid taking sides in partisan politics.

Roughly 61,000 of TSA’s 64,130 employees are required to continue working during the shutdown.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the video is being shared nationally, and a spokeswoman said, “It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship. Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”

This report includes information from the Associated Press.