O’Hare, Midway join other airports in rejecting Noem video blaming Dems for shutdown

While the Chicago Department of Aviation strives to give passengers an abundance of amenities, they won’t include a video of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.

CDA officials said they declined a U.S. Department of Homeland Security request last week to post the video.

“Advertising at Chicago’s airports, including promotional materials and public service announcements, must comply with CDA’s advertising guidelines, which prohibit content that endorses or opposes any named political party,” CDA officials said.

“These guidelines help ensure the airports remain welcoming and neutral spaces for all travelers.”

In the video, Noem says TSA’s “top priority” is to help make travel pleasant and efficient while keeping passengers safe.

“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.

Chicago isn’t an outlier. Airports in New York, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Phoenix, Seattle and more also have refused to air the video, saying the messaging is contrary to policies that prohibit political statements.

Salt Lake City International Airport isn’t playing the video because state law prohibits using city-owned property for political purposes, said airport spokesperson Nancy Volmer.

Some federal workers including U.S. Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers are still on the job without pay as a result of the shutdown. That’s caused delays at a number of airports across the U.S., including O’Hare.

Democrats say any deal to reopen the government has to address their health care demands, and Republicans say they won’t negotiate until they agree to fund the government. Insurance premiums would double if Congress fails to renew subsidy payments that expire Dec. 31.

DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated that “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.”

· Daily Herald wire services contributed to this report.