Kristi Noem’s Government Shutdown Video Blocked at Fargo Airport

UPDATE: A video featuring U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming the federal government shutdown for potential flight delays is currently NOT playing at Hector International Airport in Fargo. As of now, the video is absent from the airport’s screens, leaving many travelers frustrated and confused.

The Municipal Airport Authority Chair, Paula Ekman, confirmed to The Forum that the video is not being shown. She mentioned that the board last convened on October 14, and this matter wasn’t discussed. “We don’t really determine what’s being played,” Ekman stated, emphasizing that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates the video equipment.

This controversial video, which has drawn scrutiny for its political content, is being withheld from dozens of airports across the nation, including the ten busiest, due to the Hatch Act. This federal law prohibits civil service employees in the executive branch from participating in political activities. The Metropolitan Airports Commission, which oversees Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, has also opted not to air the video while reviewing a TSA request.

Reports indicate that the Noem video may have aired briefly for about an hour on a loop on Wednesday, but without audio. Ekman noted that travelers might be mistaking the new video for an older one where Noem discusses the REAL ID process, which has been continuously shown at the airport.

Ekman shared that airport administration has received numerous calls from the public expressing their opinions on the matter. “People are making their concerns known, and that’s the American way,” she remarked, reflecting the heightened emotions surrounding the government shutdown.

In the video, Noem asserts that TSA’s “top priority” is to provide travelers with an efficient airport experience. However, she blames congressional Democrats for the ongoing federal government shutdown, which began on October 1. “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,” she states.

As the government shutdown continues, travelers are left pondering the impact on their travel plans. The lack of communication and clarity around the video adds to the confusion, emphasizing the wider implications of the political standoff on everyday citizens.

Next Steps: As this situation develops, travelers are urged to stay informed about potential updates regarding airport communications and the status of federal operations. The absence of the Noem video is just one aspect of a broader narrative surrounding the ongoing government shutdown and its effects on air travel.