Democratic senators asked the Department of Homeland Security to remove a video shown at TSA checkpoints that blames Democrats for the shutdown, alleging potential violations of the Hatch and Anti‑Lobbying Acts. Led by Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Jack Reed, the letter—co-signed by 15 others—seeks details on funding and production and urges an investigation. Many airports refused to play the clip, citing bans on political content; Detroit and Bismarck reported it running on TSA-controlled screens. DHS’s Tricia McLaughlin defended the agency and criticized Democrats, while Sen. Maria Cantwell separately pressed the Office of Special Counsel to review the matter.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.