TSA Video Blaming Democrats Banned from Cleveland and Akron Airports

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Akron–Canton Airport have both declined to play a controversial video message from Homeland Security that blames Democrats in Congress for the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The message, delivered by U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and produced by the Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration, states, “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government.” The clip links the shutdown directly to TSA operations and highlights that many employees are working without pay. The explicit partisan blame in the video has drawn criticism and is the central reason multiple airports have refused to display it.

Cleveland Hopkins officials cited the Hatch Act, which restricts partisan political messaging through public resources, as well as internal policies that prohibit political content on airport-controlled screens. Megan O’Connell, assistant director for marketing, communications and guest experience at Cleveland Hopkins, said the airport “cannot display the Department of Homeland Security video,” adding that as a publicly operated facility, the airport is not permitted to show content that could be viewed as political or partisan.

Kristi Noem Video Announcement Not Being Aired at Hopkins

Akron–Canton Airport confirmed it is not airing the video and has no plans to do so. A representative told local reporters that the decision aligns with policies that prevent political content from being broadcast in terminals.

Airports across the country have taken similar positions. Portland, Seattle–Tacoma, Spokane, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Tucson, Buffalo, Westchester County, Niagara Falls, Charlotte and Las Vegas are among those that have refused to play the video. Some cited the Hatch Act, while others pointed to local or state-level rules banning political advertising on public property.

The federal government shutdown began on October 1, with TSA workers and other federal employees continuing to work without immediate pay. The TSA distributed the Noem video to airports with the intention that it be shown at security checkpoints, but many have opted out over concerns about the video’s political tone.

Travelers in Northeast Ohio should not expect to see the video at either Cleveland Hopkins or Akron–Canton airports. Monitors at security checkpoints are expected to continue showing only standard, nonpartisan information related to travel procedures, such as ID requirements, prohibited items and safety reminders.

One airport representative, speaking to national media, said, “We believe the Hatch Act clearly prohibits use of public assets for political purposes and messaging.”

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