Palm Springs airport issues statement on Kristi Noem government shutdown PSA

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - The Palm Springs International Airport issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the decision not to broadcast a video by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.

Noem's "Public Service Announcement" is supposed to air at security checkpoints.

“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe,” Noem starts. “However, 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.”

FIRST ON FOX: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem blasted Democrats for the government shutdown affecting TSA workers in a video that will play at every public airport in America. pic.twitter.com/LdhRmF6wlT

— Preston Mizell (@MizellPreston) October 9, 2025

According to CNN, nearly 20 airports across the country have refused to play the PSA due to its political nature.

In a statement released Tuesday, Palm Springs airport cited state law and the federal Hatch Act, a 1939 law prohibiting political activities of federal employees to ensure government programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion.

"Palm Springs International Airport is not playing the video on terminal screens because California law and federal Hatch Act principles prohibit using public facilities for partisan political messaging. We remain committed to providing a welcoming, neutral space for all travelers, while respecting the responsibilities of our federal partners during the government shutdown."

- Jake Ingrassia, PSP Communications & Marketing Specialist

In a statement to CNN Tuesday morning, the Department of Homeland Security reiterated much of the language from the video, including blaming the shutdown on Democrats.

“Our security operations remain largely unimpacted at this time. It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship,” the statement said. “Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”

Airports who have confirmed to CNN they will not show the video include

• Albany (NY) International Airport
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Bradley (CT) International Airport
• Buffalo Niagara (NY) International Airport
• Charlotte Douglas (NC) International Airport
• Chicago Midway International Airport
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport
• John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Harry Reid (Las Vegas) International Airport
• LaGuardia Airport
• Newark Liberty International Airport
• New York Stewart International Airport
• Philadelphia International Airport
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
• Portland International Airport
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
• Springfield–Branson (MO) National Airport
• Westchester County (NY) Airport