Fresno Yosemite International Airport declined to show a message from the Department of Homeland Security video featuring Secretary Kristi Noem. (GV Wire Composite)
- Fresno Yosemite International Airport declined to air a Homeland Security video from Secretary Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the federal shutdown.
- Airport officials said the political nature of the message violated local and federal content policies.
- One airport screen displays Mayor Jerry Dyer’s One Fresno program and images from city council members.
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Fresno Yosemite International Airport is one of several airports nationwide not airing a message from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Noem released a video through X blaming Democrats for the federal shutdown.
“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience possible while we keep you safe,” Noem said in the 30-second message. “We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel. And our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”
Currently playing at every public airport in America:@Sec_Noem: “We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact you — and it is our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.” pic.twitter.com/hwVfwLxVJR
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 10, 2025
The New York Times reported that airports in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles also refused to show the video.
Some federal legislators questioned whether Noem’s actions violated the Hatch Act, which bans federal employees from politicking on the job.
Airport: Noem Video Does Not Meet Policy
A City Hall spokesperson said the decision came from the City Attorney’s Office. City Attorney Andrew Janz did not respond to messages.
No one from the airport was willing to talk on camera, but did release a statement:
“Consistent with local and federal policies in place, the Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is not airing the DHS/TSA video on airport-controlled screens due to the political nature of the content,” airport spokesperson Vikkie Calderon said. “The limited digital screens owned and operated by FAT are designated for content that supports safety, security, wayfinding, and other essential travel information.”
Calderon did not respond to follow-up questions about which local and federal policies apply.
GV Wire asked DHS for its reaction to Fresno not showing the video. It avoided answering the question directly, instead mirroring much of what Noem said in her video.
Dyer ‘One Fresno’ Message on Display
One screen in the entrance lobby displays Mayor Jerry Dyer’s priorities: housing, economic development and downtown revitalization. Other images showed members of the Fresno City Council and facts about Yosemite National Park.
“This message is simply about the vision for Fresno and the Mayor’s priorities for our city. It’s not political or directed at any party — it’s actually the opposite. It’s about bringing people together and focusing on unity. And just to be clear, the Mayor’s message does not violate any laws or put any grant funding at risk in any way,” City Hall spokesperson Sontaya Rose said.
Other screens in the lobby area display informational messages about using Real ID, not bringing fireworks into the airport, and preventing the spread of the Zika virus.
The government shutdown has entered its third week. The New York Times reported that most of the 61,000 TSA employees are required to work without pay.
By midday Wednesday at Fresno Yosemite, TSA agents were on the job, and there were no visible long security lines.
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