Kristi Noem Rips Dems as Video Plays at Airports Nationwide Criticizing Government Shutdown [WATCH]

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem criticized Democrats for the ongoing federal government shutdown in a video that began airing Thursday afternoon at public airports across the United States, as reported by Fox News.

The video, which plays in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints nationwide, highlights the impact of the shutdown on federal workers and travelers.

“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience possible while we keep you safe,” Noem said in the clip.

“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 confirmed that the video will continue to play in all major airports as long as the shutdown remains in effect. Noem, who oversees TSA, added that the agency is doing everything possible to prevent disruptions.

“We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact you,” she said. “Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”

FIRST ON FOX: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem blasted Democrats for the government shutdown affecting TSA workers in a video that will play at every public airport in America. pic.twitter.com/LdhRmF6wlT

— Preston Mizell (@MizellPreston) October 9, 2025

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TSA employees in the field or working at airports are currently not receiving pay, according to DHS officials. If the shutdown continues beyond the two-week mark, TSA workers will miss a paycheck.

Although the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 guarantees backpay after shutdowns, a plan reviewed by Fox News Digital from the White House’s Office of Management and Budget could revoke that protection for furloughed federal employees.

As of Thursday, airport operations have not been significantly disrupted, but sources within TSA warn that call-offs could increase as unpaid employees struggle to cover expenses, potentially leading to longer lines and delays at security checkpoints across the country.

The shutdown began at midnight on October 1 after a bill to extend government funding through November 21 failed to pass the Senate. Since then, six separate votes have failed as Democrats and Republicans remain divided on spending priorities.

Republicans currently hold a 53-seat majority, but 60 votes are required to pass funding legislation.

Only three Democrats have broken ranks with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.

Schumer told Punchbowl News that “every day gets better” for Democrats as the shutdown continues to pressure the administration, with federal workers losing wages and small businesses unable to apply for SBA loans.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said he spoke with President Donald Trump on Wednesday night, sharply criticized Schumer’s comments. Johnson said Democrats have “reduced political pain to a prop” while federal employees and taxpayers bear the consequences.

The White House and Congress have yet to announce a timeline for resuming negotiations.

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