Homeland Democrats Again Demand Republicans Call DHS Sec. Noem to Testify on Abuse of Immigration Authorities, Plan to Eliminate FEMA, Mass Firings, Signal App, TSA Union Busting, Grant Freezes, Cyber Workforce
“Failure to demand transparency and accountability of DHS leadership is a dereliction of duty”
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, led Committee Democrats in sending a letter to Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) to again request he call Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem before the Committee to testify on many issues of concern for Congress and the American people.
Specifically, the Secretary must defend Trump administration policies, including the abuse of immigration authorities and abandonment of due process, the plan to eliminate FEMA, union busting at TSA, elimination of three watchdog offices at DHS, mass firings at multiple DHS components, DOGE access to sensitive department networks, her use of Signal, blocking critical homeland security grants, and cutting the Department’s counterterrorism, disaster response, and cybersecurity workforces. Ranking Member Thompson made a similar request on February 11 for her to testify.
“None of these issues have gone away. Remarkably, the administration’s activity at DHS has only generated more unchecked chaos over the intervening weeks,” the Members wrote. “Moreover, the administration has been slow, unwilling, or unable to provide answers to the inquiries Members have made about changes to the Department’s workforce, programs, and offices.”
Since January 20th – over two months ago – neither Secretary Noem, nor any other Trump Administration official, has testified before the Committee. Her absence is in stark contrast to 2017 and 2021, when new Homeland Security Secretaries – from both Republican and Democrat administrations – came before the Committee to testify within two months of a new administration.
“The Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle offices and components at DHS and its reckless disregard of the law and due process have little to do with efficiency and more to do with exacting vengeance on parts of the government the President holds a grudge against,” the Members added. “If the administration wants Americans to believe its actions at DHS are anything short of a revenge tour, the Secretary should make the case to Congress."
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