Story perspectives

Flight Delays Surge as Shutdown Blame Game Intensifies

10/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's video blaming Democrats for the shutdown began airing at airports nationwide, though some outlets refused for legal concerns.
The shutdown, now in its second week, has caused flight delays, affecting over 20,000 flights.
TSA says 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers work without pay.
Democrats criticized Noem's video as blame shifting, while negotiations in Congress remain stalled, echoing the 2019 shutdown.

History

Historical Context

The 35-day U.S. government shutdown from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, was the longest in history, affecting 800,000 federal employees amid a dispute over funding for a border wall. This political stalemate led to significant disruptions, including long airport security lines and delayed flights, highlighting vulnerabilities in federal funding negotiations that continue to impact air travel today.

1 of 2

Story summary

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's video blaming Democrats for the shutdown began airing at airports nationwide, though some outlets refused for legal concerns.
The shutdown, now in its second week, has caused flight delays, affecting over 20,000 flights.
TSA says 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers work without pay.
Democrats criticized Noem's video as blame shifting, while negotiations in Congress remain stalled, echoing the 2019 shutdown.

1 / 2