The United States is currently experiencing its second week of a federal government shutdown with many federal workers furloughed. Essential employees, like Air Traffic Controllers and TSA Agents, are still reporting to work, just without pay.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been putting up videos near checkpoints, featuring Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, that blames Democrats for the federal government shutdown. Some airports, including Detroit, aren’t happy.
Detroit Airport Puts Up Signage Near TSA Checkpoints Addressing Video
The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), the entity that owns and operates Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), reached out to the TSA regarding the video and requested that they refrain from playing it. The airport itself doesn’t have the ability to turn off the screens as it does not operate the checkpoint monitors, which are located in space leased by the TSA.
Instead, the airport has installed signage near the checkpoints to address the issue. On Wednesday October 15, 2025, signs went up stating:
“The views expressed in this TSA controlled video do not represent the views of the Wayne County Airport Authority. The Wayne County Airport Authority does not engage in partisan politics. Thank you.”
Detroit, which is a major hub for Delta Air Lines and an operating base for Spirit Airlines, joins other airports in Atlanta, Charlotte, Las Vegas, New York, Phoenix, Seattle, and others in speaking out against, or refusing to play, the video.
My Thoughts
Regardless of your political feelings on this, I can’t imagine that there is anyone who wants to hear a video of someone blaming a group or groups for causing your inconvenience while actively being inconvenienced.
TSA checkpoints are already one of the most frustrating aspects of the airport experience (and even CLEAR isn’t what it used to be) and an annoying video being played on repeat next to agents who aren’t getting paid isn’t doing anything to help the mood.
Once you get through security you then have to hope your flight isn’t delayed or cancelled due to an Air Traffic Controller shortage, which has only been exacerbated by the shutdown and caused headaches throughout the country.
Frustrations around air travel are what finally ended the shutdown in 2018 as multiple Air Traffic Controllers walked off of the job and that may be what ends up ending the shutdown again this time. Unfortunately, until that time comes, expect some turbulence when traveling.
Summary
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been putting up videos near checkpoints blaming Democrats for the federal government shutdown. Multiple airports, including Detroit, aren’t happy with the messaging though the Michigan airport can’t take the videos down since the monitors are located in TSA leased space. Instead, they have deployed signage stating their position on the matter.