A new video starring Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem, nicknamed “ICE Barbie” by critics, is now playing on airport monitors across the United States. The video blames Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown that has already disrupted flights and forced thousands of airport employees to work without pay.
A Political Message Takes Over U.S. Airports
The short clip, produced by the Trump administration, began airing Thursday and features Noem delivering a calm but firm message. She says that Democrats in Congress are refusing to fund the federal government and that their actions have led to operational problems at airports. According to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson, the video is being shown at airports nationwide as part of a public information effort.
The campaign, however, has stirred backlash. Many travelers were surprised to see political content on airport screens—places typically reserved for flight updates, travel safety, and general news. Critics say the move turns airport terminals into platforms for political messaging rather than neutral spaces for travelers.
Kristi Noem sparks outrage after comparing antifa to MS-13, Hamas, Hezbollah and ISIS
The video dropped at a particularly tense time for the country’s aviation system, which is struggling under the pressure of the shutdown.
Shutdown Causes Massive Delays and Unpaid Labor
The government shutdown, now more than a week old, began on October 1 after Congress failed to agree on a new spending bill. Democrats rejected a Republican-backed temporary funding plan because it did not include money to subsidize health insurance for low-income Americans. Republicans, on the other hand, accused Democrats of holding up government operations to push their social spending agenda.
Key government agencies are operating without funding, leaving thousands of airport security and air traffic control workers unpaid. Democrats criticized the shutdown, saying their funding proposals were blocked by Republicans.
The FAA struggles to manage operations, causing over 20,000 flight delays since Monday, including 4,600 on Thursday. About 13,000 air traffic controllers and nearly 50,000 TSA officers are working without pay. Democrats warned the shutdown risks worker safety and longer lines.
The TSA reported low wait times for 2.4 million screened passengers, but insiders say the situation could worsen as staff call in sick or quit. Travelers have noticed longer security lines and stressed staff, though officers continue duties professionally.
The situation echoes the 2019 shutdown under Trump’s first term, when unpaid air traffic controllers called in sick, forcing the FAA to slow or suspend flights at major airports like LaGuardia and Newark.
Democrats Blast “Propaganda” as Political Blame Game Escalates
Democrats have strongly criticized the new airport video featuring Kristi Noem, calling it “propaganda” and accusing the administration of shifting blame. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday that Republicans are refusing to negotiate to end the shutdown and are instead trying to manipulate public opinion.
“Every day that Republicans refuse to negotiate, the worse it gets for Americans—and the clearer it becomes who’s fighting for them,” Schumer said.
Several government websites have also started displaying banner messages blaming Democrats for the funding lapse, adding to the tension between the two parties. The messaging war has further fueled division at a time when federal employees are facing real hardships.
While the Trump administration defends its communication strategy as “informational,” opponents argue that using taxpayer-funded infrastructure to broadcast partisan messages violates public trust. Airport travelers have mixed reactions—some agree that the public should know why the shutdown happened, while others feel that airports are not the right place for political messaging.
Kristi Noem mocked after “facing down” an army of 8 protesters — including a guy in a chicken suit
Meanwhile, negotiations in Congress have made no progress. Six separate votes to end the shutdown have failed since it began. Even with a 53-seat majority, Republicans still need at least 60 votes to pass any funding measure, meaning bipartisan cooperation is essential. So far, only three Democrats have voted with Republicans on the proposed bills.
As the shutdown drags on, workers at TSA and FAA continue to operate under mounting pressure. Many have begun relying on community support programs and temporary assistance funds to make ends meet.
With airports across the country showing the Homeland Security video, and political arguments dominating the airwaves, the shutdown’s impact has extended far beyond paychecks and delays—it’s now a battle of narratives unfolding right where Americans feel it most: the nation’s airports.
