Portland International Airport once again refuses to show political TSA video over government shutdown
PORTLAND, ore. (KOIN) – For the second time under the Trump administration, Portland International Airport is refusing to air a political video message from the Transportation Security Administration.
As first reported OregonianIn the video, Democrats are blamed for the current partial government shutdown.
A spokesperson for the Port of Portland told KOIN 6 News that PDX refused to show the video because it was politically motivated. Cover ActA law restricting partisan political activity by federal employees.
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The Port of Portland, which operates PDX, confirmed to KOIN 6 News on Monday that the airport received a request from the TSA to display a video message regarding the government shutdown and that PDX did not allow the video to be played.
“We believe the Hatch Act expressly prohibits the use of public property for political purposes and messaging. Additionally, Oregon law states that no public employee may support or oppose any political committee, party, or affiliation,” a Port of Portland spokesperson said.
The shutdown stems from disagreements between congressional Democrats and Republicans over Department of Homeland Security funding. Congressional Democrats are demanding reform of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement tactics following the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal immigration authorities in Minneapolis.
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This is the third shutdown in less than a year that has left TSA workers temporarily without pay. Associated Press Reports indicate that these workers will have to wait for back pay when the department reopens.
Long security lines have been seen at airports across the US amid the shutdown.
“Homeland Security reported last week on account X that more than 300 TSA agents have resigned since the start of the shutdown,” the AP reported.
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This is the second time the Port of Portland has refused to play a TSA video under the Trump administration.
in October, TSA releases video of outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi NoemHe again blames the Democrats for the government shutdown. As DHS secretary, Noem oversaw the TSA.
“TSA’s top priority is to ensure you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience possible while we keep you safe,” Secretary Noem said in the video.
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“But Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and so many of our operations have been impacted and many of our TSA employees are working without pay,” he added.
In October, the Port of Portland similarly refused to play the video due to concerns about Hatch Act violations.
KOIN 6 News reached out to the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
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