Chicago, O'Hare decline to play Kristi Noem video blaming Democrats for shutdown
Two major Chicago airports declined to play a video from the federal government blaming Democrats for the partial shutdown.
The airports are just two of a handful across the country who have said they refused to play the video, which began airing last week.
Here's what we know.
What does the video say?
The footage features Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warning travelers about impacts to Transportation Security Administration operations because "Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government."
"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," Noem said in the video.
View the full video below.
O'Hare, Midway refuse to play Kristi Noem video
Chicago's O'Hare and Midway International Airports told USA TODAY they declined to play the video requested by the Department of Homeland Security.
"Advertising at Chicago’s airports, including promotional materials and public service announcements, must comply with CDA’s Advertising Guidelines, which prohibit content that endorses or opposes any named political party," the airports told USA TODAY. "These guidelines help ensure the airports remain welcoming and neutral spaces for all travelers."
Federal websites, out-of-office messages blame Democrats
This isn't the first instance of the federal government openly placing blame for the shutdown on Democrats.
USA TODAY reported on the first day of the shutdown that official email accounts at the U.S. Department of Education began sending out-of-office messages saying, "Thank you for contacting me. On September 19, 2025, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5371, a clean continuing resolution. Unfortunately, Democrat Senators are blocking passage of H.R. 5371 in the Senate which has led to a lapse in appropriations."
The Department of Housing and Urban Development website also currently states: "The Radical Left in Congress shut down the government. HUD will use available resources to help Americans in need."