“`html
DHS to Display Video Blaming Democrats for Shutdown at TSA Checkpoints
Amid ongoing gridlock in Washington, the Department of Homeland Security plans to show a video placing blame for the federal government shutdown on Congressional Democrats to travelers at airport security checkpoints.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is moving forward with the distribution of a new video featuring DHS Secretary Kristi Noem directly attributing obligation for the ongoing federal government shutdown to Congressional Democrats. The video, initially obtained by Fox News on Thursday, will be shown to travelers passing through Transportation Security Governance (TSA) checkpoints nationwide.
A DHS representative confirmed the plans for the video, described as a “public service video,” in a statement to Nexstar. “TSA’s top priority is for you to have the most pleasant and efficient experience possible at the airport, while keeping you safe,” Noem states in the video. “Though, Congressional Democrats refuse to fund the federal government, and as of this, many of our operations are affected, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”
Noem continued, “We will continue to do everything we can to avoid delays that impact your travel, and our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening our government.” The DHS representative’s statement echoed Noem’s sentiments, reiterating the message conveyed in the video.
The department has yet to disclose a specific timeline for the video’s rollout or details regarding its placement within TSA checkpoints.This move represents the latest instance of the Trump administration employing partisan messaging to assign blame for the shutdown. In the initial stages of the shutdown,the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Education similarly directed blame toward left-leaning politicians for failing to pass a temporary spending bill. Several government websites also displayed language critical of Democrats, contributing to the politically charged atmosphere.
“The radical left in Congress paralyzed the government,” read a pop-up message displayed on the Department of Housing and Urban Development website. “HUD will use available resources to help Americans in need.”
However, recent polling data suggests public opinion does not align with the administration’s narrative. Surveys conducted last week indicated that a greater proportion of voters hold the republican Party responsible for the shutdown.
The shutdown’s impact is already being felt by federal employees. Most TSA employees and air traffic controllers are currently working without pay as Congress struggles to reach a funding agreement. Despite these challenges, aviation analytics firm Cirium reported that approximately 92% of the over 23,600 flights departing U.S. airports on Tuesday afternoon operated on schedule. However, delays were reported at several major airports on Wednesday.
Transport Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged an increase in sick calls among air traffic controllers on Monday, raising concerns about potential disruptions to air travel.
“The risk is growing every day,” the analyst noted.
Nexstar’s Alix Martichoux and the associated Press contributed to this report.
