Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — A number of major airports across the United States have taken a stand against broadcasting a video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The video, which includes a message placing blame on Democrats for the ongoing federal government shutdown and its repercussions on TSA operations, has been deemed too political for display in these public spaces.

Airports in prominent cities such as New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Phoenix, and Seattle have all declined to show the video. Their decision is rooted in policies that strictly prohibit any form of political messaging within their facilities, aiming to maintain a neutral environment for travelers.

In related developments, some government agencies have started to circulate communications that explicitly blame Democrats for the shutdown. This move has raised eyebrows among experts, who suggest it may potentially breach the 1939 Hatch Act. This act serves to limit political activities among federal employees, ensuring a separation between state duties and political agendas.

The current government shutdown has caused significant disruptions at airports, leading to delays and operational challenges. Democrats have insisted that any negotiations to reopen the government must include discussions on health care, while Republicans remain firm that they will not engage in talks until there is an agreement to fund the government. The situation is further complicated by looming insurance concerns, as Congress faces pressure to renew subsidy payments set to expire at the end of the year, which could result in doubled premiums.

In her message, Secretary Noem emphasizes that the TSA’s primary goal is to ensure that travel remains both safe and efficient, even in the face of ongoing challenges. Her remarks, however, have sparked debate on the appropriateness of politically charged content in public transit hubs.

“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,” she continues.

The Transportation Security Administration falls under the Department of Homeland Security. Roughly 61,000 of the agency’s 64,130 employees are required to continue working during the shutdown. The Department said Friday that the video is being rolled out to airports across the country.

A DHS spokeswoman responded to a request for comment restating some of the message from Noem’s video.

“It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship. Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government,” spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates JFK International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, said it would not air the videos, citing rules against “politically partisan messages.”

The Chicago Department of Aviation said advertising and public service announcements must follow guidelines that “prohibit content that endorses or opposes any named political party.” The Harry Reid International Airport, in Las Vegas, said it had to “remain mindful of the Hatch Act’s restrictions.”

“Per airport regulations, the terminals and surrounding areas are not designated public forums, and the airport’s intent is to avoid the use of the facility for political or religious advocacy,” the statement said.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said the county north of New York City won’t play the video at its local airport. In a statement, he called the video “inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials,” and said its tone is “unnecessarily alarmist” as it relates to operations at Westchester County Airport.

“At a time when we should be focused on ensuring stability, collaboration and preparedness, this type of messaging only distracts from the real issues, and undermines public trust,” he said.

Even in red states, airports weren’t showing the video for various reasons. Salt Lake City International Airport wasn’t playing the video because state law prohibits using city-owned property for political purposes, said airport spokesperson Nancy Volmer.

The airport in Billings, Montana, “politely declined” even though it has screens that could show the video with audio, assistant aviation director Paul Khera said Tuesday.

“We don’t want to get in the middle of partisan politics,” Khera said. “We like to stay middle of the road, we didn’t want to play that video.” ___

Associated Press writers Rio Yamat in Las Vegas and Mead Gruver in Fort Collins, Colo. contributed to this report.