ROMULUS, Mich. – A controversial TSA video is sparking outrage at airports, including Detroit Metro Airport, where a sign has been posted addressing those concerns.
In the video, which is playing at TSA checkpoints, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem talks about the government shutdown and says, “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government” and that TSA employees are working without pay.
Local 4 confirmed the message is playing on monitors inside TSA-controlled space at DTW.
The Wayne County Airport Authority issued a statement saying it doesn’t engage in partisan politics and doesn’t share those views.
A sign has been posted outside security at the airport reinforcing that message.
“The views expressed in the TSA controlled video do not represent the views of the Wayne County Airport Authority,” the sign says. “The Wayne County Airport Authority does not engage in partisan politics. Thank you.”
Airport officials said they have asked TSA to stop playing the video.
Here is a statement from Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin:
It is TSA’s top priority to ensure that travelers have the most safe, pleasant and efficient airport experience possible. However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, most of our TSA employees are working without pay. While this creates challenges for our people, our security operations remain largely unimpacted at this time. 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.
HSI Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
Here is the full statement from the Wayne County Airport Authority:
The Wayne County Airport Authority has requested the TSA stop playing the video at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressing federal funding. WCAA does not operate the checkpoint monitors, which are located in TSA-leased space. The TSA did not seek approval to play the message.
This evening, WCAA placed signage near the checkpoint entrances to further address this issue. A photo is attached.
Wayne County Airport Authority
Here is a statement from State Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton):
I am writing to you today as the State Senator representing Michigan’s 4th Senate District, which is home to the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). It has come to my attention that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency under your department’s jurisdiction, is broadcasting a video in which you, in your official capacity, blame the Democratic party for the federal government shutdown.
The travelers who utilize DTW, and the hardworking staff who keep them safe, hold a wide range of political opinions. On behalf of the travelers and DTW staff that I represent, I am formally requesting that you direct the TSA to immediately cease broadcasting this inappropriate and partisan message at DTW and all other federal security checkpoints.
DTW serves as the gateway to Michigan for the world and is a critical economic engine for our region. The security screening area is a place where travelers are a captive audience, focused on compliance and safety. Your decision to use this federal space to broadcast a divisive political message is a misuse of your official position and an abuse of the public’s trust.
This action is in direct conflict with the principles of the Hatch Act of 1939, which clearly prohibits the use of official federal positions or government resources for partisan political purposes. The law is specifically designed to prevent both the appearance and the reality of a politicized federal workforce. By using your title and taxpayer-funded TSA infrastructure to assign blame for a government shutdown along party lines, you are engaging in the very “pernicious political activities” the Act was designed to prevent.
The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), our local partner responsible for managing the airport, has already made a reasonable and necessary request for this video to be taken down. Their request puts travelers and the integrity of our laws first, and it deserves your immediate and full cooperation. I applaud the WCAA for their swift decision to place public signs at the airport clarifying their commitment to non-partisanship. Let’s keep politics out of our airports and focus on keeping travelers safe.
Sen. Darrin Camilleri