San Diego Airport Rejects Kristi Noem’s Video Amid Shutdown Fallout

San Diego International Airport (SAN) has opted not to display a controversial video featuring Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. In the video, Noem attributes the ongoing government shutdown to Democratic lawmakers, claiming it affects airport operations and travel.

The DHS had aimed to showcase the video at airports nationwide to highlight potential impacts of the shutdown. In a statement, SAN clarified that airport operations have not been severely affected and explained its decision not to broadcast the video. “Our messaging continues to focus on making the customer experience as easy and efficient as possible,” the airport noted.

Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly opposed the video, stating that it contradicts the Hatch Act, which restricts certain political activities of federal employees. His office sent a letter urging airport operators to refrain from displaying the video, emphasizing the importance of maintaining neutrality in public spaces. The communication advised officials to “hold firm and avoid being complicit” in what they described as politically charged content.

In her remarks within the video, Noem asserts, “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.” This assertion has drawn criticism from various political figures.

Local Leaders Support Decision Against Video

San Diego Councilmember and Airport Authority Board member Marni von Wilpert expressed her gratitude to SAN for its decision. She stated that residents and travelers deserve to avoid exposure to “partisan propaganda” at the airport. Von Wilpert characterized the video as “false, political, and flat-out wrong,” reinforcing her belief that SAN made the correct choice by not airing it.

As the government shutdown extends beyond two weeks, the ongoing debate over accountability persists. Von Wilpert has called for a clear policy to ensure that similar situations do not arise in the future, emphasizing the need for neutrality in public messaging.

The refusal to play the video reflects broader themes of political discourse and operational integrity in public spaces. As airports navigate the complexities of government operations during a shutdown, decisions like SAN’s highlight the importance of maintaining focus on customer experience and operational efficiency.