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“Consistent with airport policy, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport declined to post the video,’’ said Jon Brodsky, the airport’s communications and outreach administrator.

He said the reason is simple. “The policy does not permit political content,’’ Brodsky said.

Nor will those leaving Tucson International Airport be subjected to Noem’s video saying that many airport operations are impacted because “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government.’’

In the case of TIA, it was an easy call, said Austin Wright, the airport’s chief communications officer.

“We have no screens in the TSA checkpoints where the video was requested to be played,’’ he said. “So we have no capability to play it.’’

He said, though, the Tucson airport wouldn’t have shown it even if video screens were available.

“Technically, it would be advertising,’’ Wright said. “And our advertising policy prohibits political speech of any type in the airport.’’

Other airports declining to show the video

The two Arizona airports are joining others across the nation that have rejected Noem’s bid to play her message on video screens near Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.

She starts off the video with a general statement that it’s the “top priority’’ of TSA that travelers “have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe.’’

But where the video crosses the line, according to airport officials here and elsewhere, is when she tells travelers that if things don’t go smoothly, it is the fault of Democrats and their refusal to approve a new budget.

“Because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay,’’ Noem said.

The message is far different than those normally provided near checkpoints. These tend to be more informational, explaining the screening process, what can and cannot be carried on to aircraft, and why a Real ID is necessary to board even domestic flights unless someone has a passport, for instance.

The Washington Post reports that airports in Buffalo, Charlotte, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Seattle and Portland also are refusing to air Noem’s video.

Some are saying it violates internal policies about showing political messages to travelers. There’s also the question of the federal Hatch Act, which bars the use of public resources for political purposes.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant Homeland Security secretary, is not apologetic. In a message to Capitol Media Services, she doubled down on what Noem is saying, repeating that “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government,’’ resulting in TSA employees working without pay.

“It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship,’’ she said. “Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.’’

The House already approved the budget extension. The measure is stuck in the Senate where it takes 60 votes to advance; Republicans control 53 seats.

Authorization to spend federal dollars ran out at the end of September, resulting in the furloughs of most federal workers and the requirement for others, like TSA screeners and control tower staff, to continue working without pay.

Democratic leaders are using the inability of Senate Republicans to enact a new spending plan without them as leverage to push the GOP to restore funding for health care that was cut in the “Big Beautiful Bill.’’ They specifically want restoration of premium tax credits that underwrite the cost of many who get their health insurance the Affordable Care Act. They have argued that coverage will become unaffordable for many without the federal dollars.

Republicans are refusing to budge.

‘Business as usual’ at Tucson airport

The government shutdown essentially has created two classes of federal employees.

Most in non-essential positions were furloughed without pay.

But essential workers — including those at TSA checkpoints and staffing the control towers — were told they still have to work even though they would not get paid.

There have been flight delays reported nationwide.

But in Tucson, “We’re one of the lucky ones,’’ said Wright. “Everyone’s coming to work here and we appreciate it. The tower’s staffed, TSA is staffed. It’s business as usual.’’