Key Takeaways:
• Several Texas airports are refusing to show a TSA video that blames Democrats for the government shutdown.
• Airports point to rules that ban political or issue-driven content in their ad spaces.
• El Paso International Airport still plays the video, while others lack the screens or have denied permits.
• TSA officers face unpaid work and staffing shortages during the shutdown, fueling delays.
Texas airports have chosen not to display a TSA video in which the Homeland Security chief blames Democrats for the federal government shutdown. Instead, they cite policies that bar political advertising at security checkpoints. This move highlights the tension between federal messaging and local rules.
Texas Airports Reject TSA Video
Late this week, the Department of Homeland Security asked airports nationwide to play a video message from Secretary Kristi Noem at TSA checkpoints. The clip begins with routine safety updates, but ends with Noem saying, “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government. Because of this, many of our operations are impacted and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.” She then urges lawmakers to reopen the government.
However, airports in Dallas, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio declined to show the video. They point to clear guidelines that bar any political or issue-oriented content from their advertising spaces. Meanwhile, Austin’s main airport simply lacks video monitors at its checkpoints. Only El Paso International Airport has moved ahead and screens the clip.
Reasons Behind the TSA Video Refusal
Airports serve millions of travelers each year. To keep the focus on safety and service, many facilities ban politics in their ad programs.
• Advertising Policies Ban Politics
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport enforces a strict “no political advertising” rule. Spokesperson Zachary Greiner said the policy dates back years. Dallas Love Field Airport follows a similar path. It won’t accept ads on politics or public issues. Love Field also noted it never received the permit application needed for the video.
• Equipment Limits at Some Airports
At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, checkpoints lack video screens. With no monitors, staff cannot play the TSA video even if they wanted to.
• No Comment or Delay from Other Airports
Representatives for the Houston Airport System did not respond to questions about the clip. Corpus Christi and San Antonio airports confirmed they are not running the video but offered no detailed reason.
How Airports Handle Political Content
Airports must juggle commercial revenue and traveler comfort. Political ads can spark debates or offend travelers. Therefore, many airports ban any content that addresses public policy or campaigns. They treat this TSA video like paid political content rather than a simple safety brief.
• Consistency with Past Rules
Both Dallas airports pointed to their standard guidelines. These rules apply to all video and banner ads in public areas, including checkpoints.
• Permit Requirements
Some airports require formal applications for any external video content. Since the TSA video came through a federal channel without a request, airports had no paperwork to process.
Where the TSA Video Still Plays
Not every Texas airport refused the clip. El Paso International Airport is showing the message at its TSA lines. Spokesperson Tammy Fonce confirmed the video is live there. This means travelers at El Paso can see Secretary Noem’s remarks about the shutdown and staffing woes.
Impact on TSA Staff and Travelers
As the shutdown drags on, federal workers go without pay. TSA officers, many based in Texas, must keep checkpoints open despite unpaid work. This has led to fewer staff on some days and longer lines at airports.
• Unpaid Work for TSA Officers
Data shows more than 4,000 TSA officers work across Texas. When the government closes, they must report for duty without pay. This policy aims to keep air travel safe but strains their finances.
• Flight Delays and Staffing Shortages
Some airports have reported backup in security lines. At Austin-Bergstrom, travelers faced longer waits on Monday. Officials say the delays stem from both fewer workers and extra screening steps.
• Federal Response
A DHS assistant secretary acknowledged the hardship. “It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship,” she said. Still, she added that security operations remain strong despite the shutdown.
Looking Ahead
The clash over this TSA video raises questions. Can federal agencies force airports to show political messages? Will airports tighten rules on all government content? And how long will TSA officers keep working without pay?
Democrats and Republicans remain deadlocked on funding bills. Until they reach an agreement, TSA staff will endure uncertainty. Meanwhile, travelers may continue to see mixed messages—or none at all—at Texas checkpoints.
FAQs
Why are Texas airports refusing to play the TSA video?
Airports cite advertising rules that ban political or issue-based content. They treat the video as political messaging rather than a simple safety update.
What does the TSA video say?
In the clip, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem outlines TSA priorities, then blames Democrats for the shutdown and urges lawmakers to reopen the government.
Which airports still show the TSA video?
Only El Paso International Airport confirmed it is playing the video. Airports in Dallas, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Austin are not showing it.
How does the shutdown affect TSA staff?
TSA officers work without pay during a shutdown. This has led to staffing shortages and longer security lines at some airports.