Legal Experts Reveal Kristi Noem’s Airport Video Controversy: Will She Face Consequences? | TNNEWS

Airports Reject Political Video from Homeland Security Secretary

Recently, several airports nationwide have declined to display a video featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing its political content as a violation of their policies. The video, intended for security checkpoints, accuses Democrats of causing the ongoing government shutdown.

Airports Uphold Neutrality Policies

Airports in cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Seattle have confirmed their refusal to air the video. These locations typically show safety messages from government officials, but the political nature of Noem’s message has led them to reject it. A representative from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport emphasized their commitment to maintaining a neutral environment for travelers.

Similarly, the Chicago Department of Aviation, overseeing O’Hare and Midway airports, stated that the video breaches their advertising guidelines, which prohibit political endorsements. The Port of Seattle also declined to show the video, urging bipartisan efforts to resolve the shutdown instead.

Legal Concerns and the Hatch Act

Experts in government law, like Stanley Brand from Penn State Dickinson Law, argue that the video contravenes the Hatch Act. This 1939 law restricts federal employees from engaging in political activities using government resources. Brand suggests that airports are likely avoiding the video to protect their federal funding.

In Oregon, the Port of Portland spokesperson highlighted the Hatch Act’s prohibition on using public assets for political purposes as a reason for not consenting to the video’s display.

Understanding the Hatch Act Violations

The Hatch Act prevents federal employees from using their positions to influence elections or support political parties. Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University, notes that the video aims to politically penalize Democrats for the shutdown, thus violating the Act.

Since the shutdown began, the administration has placed similar political messages on federal websites and in automated emails, further raising concerns about Hatch Act violations.

Consequences of Hatch Act Breaches

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is responsible for enforcing the Hatch Act, but it is currently closed due to the shutdown. Historically, both Democratic and Republican administrations have faced sanctions for such violations.

For instance, during the Biden administration, then-Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre received a warning for Hatch Act violations. In the Trump administration, Kellyanne Conway was cited for similar breaches, though she remained in her position.

Penalties for Hatch Act violations are generally mild, including reprimands, pay reductions, or a $1,000 civil fine. However, enforcement of these penalties is often lax, according to Brand.