PHOENIX — In an extraordinary effort to inject politics into millions of Americans’ travel experiences, the Trump administration is rolling out a video at airports across the United States that will blame Democrats for lapses in Transportation Security Administration workers’ pay because of the government shutdown.
People waiting in airport security lines nationwide, except those in Phoenix, will now be met with a new video of the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem addressing the shutdown.
“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,” she says. “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.”
The Department of Homeland Security responded to CNN’s questions about the video in a statement that noted the “public service video is rolling out across the country,” then repeated the language in the video almost verbatim.
“We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel, and our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government,” the video concludes.
TSA checkpoints often include videos featuring government officials welcoming travelers and explanations of procedures, but they usually do not contain political messages.
ABC15 reached out to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Monday for details on the airing of the video locally.
A spokesperson responded to the inquiry, saying the airport would not be airing the video.
"Consistent with airport policy, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport declined to post the video," Sky Harbor officials said.
