Charlotte airport won't show Kristi Noem government shutdown video at TSA checkpoints
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A view of screens at CLT's Checkpoint 2 in September 2025. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is one of several U.S. airports refusing to show a video of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blaming the government shutdown and resulting travel delays on congressional Democrats.
Why it matters: Airing a partisan video conflicts with North Carolina municipal law and CLT's "policy for digital content," according to a statement from Charlotte Douglas International Airport provided to Axios.
- The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not own any of the screens at CLT's checkpoints, according to a CLT spokesperson.
- "The limited digital screens owned by CLT are designated for static content that supports wayfinding, provides essential travel information and promotes CLT's revenue-generating services," according to CLT's statement.
The big picture: Airports nationwide — including Seattle, Portland, Phoenix and Las Vegas — are citing concern that the video violates the Hatch Act — a 1939 law designed to keep federal programs free of partisan political activity.
Worth noting: Airports do regularly display videos from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary, though those typically focus on safety or travel procedures, not partisan messaging, The Washington Post reports.
Catch up quick: The government shutdown began earlier this month. Shortly after, the Noem video came out. In it, she says it is TSA's priority to ensure efficient, pleasant and safe travel — but "Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government."
- Noem also says in the video that TSA operations may be impacted, and "most of our TSA employees are working without pay," and that she hopes "Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government."
- Essential employees include TSA staff at airport security and air traffic controllers, meaning they have been asked to work without pay.
Zoom in: CLT had 230 delays on Oct. 13, 372 on Oct. 12 and 188 on Oct. 11, according to FlightAware data. As for CLT flight cancellations, there were 15 on Oct. 13, four on Oct. 12 and none on Oct. 11.
- As of the time of this story on Oct. 14, there have been 42 delays and one cancellation at CLT.