WHITE PLAINS, NY (October 15, 2025) — Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins joined Erin Burnett on CNN to discuss the decision, stressing that clear and nonpartisan communication is crucial to maintaining public confidence. He emphasized that Westchester continues to work closely with federal partners to keep airport operations running safely and efficiently.
Jenkins further highlighted the need for nonpartisan messaging during uncertain times.
“At a time when we should be focused on ensuring stability, collaboration and preparedness, this type of messaging only distracts from the real issues, and undermines public trust,” he said. “As County Executive, I believe our residents deserve clear, honest and nonpartisan communication—especially when it comes to national security, government shutdown impacts, and public safety.
The county plans to maintain smooth operations at the airport despite the shutdown.
“In Westchester County, we’re committed to keeping our Airport running efficiently and safely, regardless of political games in Washington,” Jenkins added. “The County will continue to coordinate with federal agencies to ensure that Airport operations remain secure and uninterrupted for our travelers throughout any federal government shutdown.”
Jenkins told Burnett he was not concerned about retribution by the Trump Administration.
SEE: Westchester County Rejects Noem’s Fiery Shutdown Video at Local Airport
On October 11, Westchester County officials rejected a public service announcement from U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem that blames Democrats for a federal government shutdown’s impact on Transportation Security Administration operations, calling it inappropriate and alarmist.
The 37-second video, set to loop at airport checkpoints nationwide, features Noem saying, “Hi, I’m Kristi Noem, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security. It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe. However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government. And because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay. We will continue to do all that we can to avoid delays that will impact your travel, and our hope is that Democrats will reopen the government.”
County Executive Ken Jenkins announced the decision after reviewing a Department of Homeland Security request to replace a REAL ID video with Noem’s message at Westchester County Airport.
“Westchester County has reviewed the request from the Department of Homeland Security to replace the REAL ID video with a Public Service Announcement (PSA) that was released by United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and our message is clear: it is inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials,” Jenkins said. “The PSA politicizes the impacts of a federal government shutdown on TSA Operations, and the County finds the tone to be unnecessarily alarmist – particularly as it relates to operations at Westchester County Airport. This video will not be displayed at Westchester County Airport.”
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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