Airports Across the U.S. Reportedly Block Kristi Noem’s Video Blaming Democrats for Government Shutdown

NEW YORK — Airports in New York and several other major U.S. cities are reportedly refusing to air a video message from South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, in which she blames Democrats for the ongoing federal government shutdown.

According to sources familiar with the situation, the video — which was intended to play on airport monitors as part of a political awareness campaign — was pulled from circulation after airport authorities raised concerns about its “partisan and inflammatory content.”

The decision has ignited a heated debate about free speech, political censorship, and public space neutrality, as travelers across the country feel the ripple effects of the shutdown and the blame game intensifies in Washington.

The Controversial Video

Governor Noem’s video, reportedly produced by her political action committee, features the Republican governor speaking directly to the camera, accusing Democratic leaders in Congress of orchestrating the budget standoff for “political theater at the expense of the American people.”

“Democrats are playing games with your livelihoods,” Noem says in the video. “Instead of funding essential services, they’re holding the country hostage to score political points. It’s time to put America first — not partisan politics.”

The 60-second clip was originally slated to appear on digital billboards and traveler information screens in major airports, including JFK International, LaGuardia, and Chicago O’Hare. However, airport officials — some working through private advertising contractors — reportedly declined to broadcast the message after reviewing its political content.

A spokesperson for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees several of the airports, confirmed the decision, stating that “political campaign materials are not permitted on Port Authority-managed media platforms.”

Noem’s Response: “They’re Silencing Conservatives”

Governor Noem’s team fired back immediately, accusing airport operators of political bias and censorship.

“Governor Noem was simply sharing the truth about who’s responsible for this shutdown,” said a spokesperson from her communications office. “The fact that airports are silencing her message proves our point — the establishment wants to suppress conservative voices while Democrats get a free pass.”

The spokesperson added that Noem’s team is exploring legal options to challenge what they describe as “viewpoint discrimination in taxpayer-funded spaces.”

The Shutdown’s Broader Fallout

The government shutdown, now stretching into its third week, has led to the furlough of more than 4,000 federal workers and widespread disruption across transportation, national parks, and social services.

While both parties have traded accusations, Democrats insist the impasse began after Republican lawmakers refused to support a bipartisan spending agreement that excluded controversial policy riders tied to immigration and energy regulation.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) dismissed Noem’s remarks as “baseless political theater,” saying,

“Republicans are fighting among themselves while the American people are paying the price. Blaming Democrats for their own dysfunction is the oldest trick in the book.”

Airports Caught in the Crossfire

Airport officials now find themselves in the uncomfortable position of being drawn into the national political fray. Several airport authorities have policies prohibiting political ads, a rule meant to prevent partisan conflict in public transportation hubs.

An internal memo from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, obtained by local media, stated:

“Given the sensitive nature of current national events, the display of political messaging — particularly content assigning blame — poses a reputational risk to airport neutrality and passenger experience.”

Still, the issue has sparked backlash among conservative commentators, who argue that the ban only applies when Republicans are speaking out.

Conservative radio host Dan Bongino blasted the decision on air, saying, “If a Democrat governor put out a video blaming Trump or the GOP, every airport in America would be showing it on repeat. This isn’t neutrality — it’s narrative control.”

Political Analysts Weigh In

Political experts say the controversy underscores the growing polarization of public spaces, even those traditionally considered apolitical.

“This is the collision of two trends — hyper-partisan politics and the commercialization of public infrastructure,” said Dr. Melissa Harris, a political communication professor at Columbia University. “Airports are private-public hybrids. Once you allow one political message, you open the door to all. That’s why most agencies steer clear of this altogether.”

She added that Noem, widely considered a potential vice-presidential contender in 2028, may benefit from the dust-up by positioning herself as a conservative victim of censorship.

“This plays well to her base,” Harris said. “She’s not just attacking Democrats — she’s taking on the establishment itself.”

Travelers React

At New York’s LaGuardia Airport, reactions were mixed.

“Honestly, I don’t want to see politics at the airport,” said Jessica Morales, a teacher from Queens. “It’s stressful enough flying during a shutdown — I don’t need campaign ads on top of it.”

But others disagreed.

“If they’re going to allow ads for anything else, why not this?” argued Chris Dalton, a business traveler from Texas. “She’s a governor expressing her opinion. People can agree or disagree, but blocking it just makes it worse.”

What Comes Next

Governor Noem’s campaign has hinted that it will pivot to online and television platforms to distribute the video, bypassing what it calls the “corporate censorship” of public venues.

Meanwhile, congressional leaders continue negotiating behind closed doors in Washington, with no immediate end to the shutdown in sight.

The standoff — and the growing war over who’s to blame — has become a symbol of America’s deeper divide: one where even airport screens have become political battlegrounds.

“This is bigger than one video,” Noem said in a follow-up statement Thursday night. “This is about free speech, accountability, and the right to tell the truth — no matter who it offends.”