Local airports are not airing a partisan video released by the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that blames Democrats for the government shutdown.
Shenandoah Valley Airport and Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport cited similar reasons to other airports across the country for not playing the video at security checkpoints.
SHD and CHO both said they wish to provide a neutral and welcoming environment for all travelers and community members.
“CHO will not be displaying any partisan or political videos … our commitment is to our passengers and community, and to maintaining the professionalism and trust that define our airport,” said Jason Burch, CEO. “The Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport is proud to serve Central Virginia as a neutral and welcoming public facility. We do not engage in political messaging. Our purpose is to ensure that every traveler feels safe, respected and valued.”
A statement from SHD said its communication will focus on factual, nonpartisan safety and security information.
“The Shenandoah Valley Airport Commission is not airing the most recent Department of Homeland Security video. SHD remains dedicated to providing a neutral and welcoming environment for all travelers and community members.”
The messaging mirrors that of larger airports throughout the country, including Atlanta and Chicago.
Noem, who initially said the video was being shown at all airports in the country, places the blame of the shutdown squarely on Democrats in the 37-second message.
“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 said in the video.
The political messaging clearly violates the Hatch Act, a 1939 law barring federal employees in the executive branch from engaging in politics on government time or with government resources. There is an exemption for the president and vice president.
“This seems like a blatant use of political messaging in a forum and by somebody who probably shouldn’t be doing it,” Stanley Brand, a government ethics professor at Penn State Dickinson Law, told NPR.
Government shutdown 101
The government shutdown began on Oct. 1 after Congress did not agree to a continuing resolution to fund the government through Nov. 21.
Democrats want to see a one-year extension of the health insurance tax credits, but Republicans have refused to make the concession, saying the bill needs to be passed now, and the discussion on the tax credits could come later. The tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year. Without an extension, millions of Americans may no longer be able to afford health insurance.
As a result of the shutdown, nearly all federal paychecks have been frozen.
The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act passed after a shutdown in 2018-19, guarantees back pay once the shutdown ends.
ICYMI
- Trump signals that he will use the shutdown to stiff government employees
- AARP poll | Virginia voters oppose Medicaid cuts at heart of shutdown
President Donald Trump, in an effort to pressure Democrats to vote for the bill, has threatened not to reimburse some furloughed federal workers when the government reopens.
“For the most part, we’re going to take care of our people,” Trump said. “There are some people that don’t deserve to be taken care of, and we will take care of them in a different way.”
A memo obtained by PBS from the Office of Management and Budget says its interpretation of the law is that they are authorized to make back pay, but they are not required to do so.
Shutdown impact on TSA officers
Both local airports expressed support for Transportation Security Administration and other federal employees during the shutdown who did not receive a paycheck this month.
Most TSA employees, including air traffic controllers and security staff, are considered essential and are required to work, even without pay. During a shutdown, it is more common for TSA officers and air traffic controllers to call out sick leading to travel headaches including delays and cancellations.
CHO said its employees are continuing to show up to work even with the added financial stress and uncertainty with the shutdown.
“While CHO remains neutral in all political matters, we are not neutral when it comes to supporting our people. Many of our federal partners, including TSA employees, continue to serve with dedication and professionalism despite not being paid,” Burch said.
CHO is stepping up to provide meals to TSA staff and other federal employees working at the airport and has created a Help Hub stocked with ready-to-eat meals and essential items for the staff.
It’s also inviting the community to join the effort offering to ensure the assistance goes directly to those “working hard to keep CHO safe and welcoming to everyone.”
Anyone wishing to contribute to the effort is asked to contact the airport through email at [email protected].
SHD also thanked TSA officers for their continued work despite no pay during the shutdown.
“We also wish to express our sincere support for our local TSA officers and all federal employees who continue to serve the traveling public with professionalism and dedication during the ongoing government shutdown,” SHD’s statement said.
Video by Noem
Currently playing at every public airport in America:@Sec_Noem: “We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact you — and it is our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.” pic.twitter.com/hwVfwLxVJR
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 10, 2025
Support AFP
Share
Crystal Graham
