Rep. Bennie Thompson Accuses DHS Secretary Kristi Noem of Lawbreaking and Corruption

Opening Statement and Committee Oversight

• 💡 Bennie Thompson welcomed witnesses to the House Homeland Security Committee hearing, commending the current chair for serious committee work, unlike some predecessors.
• ⚠️ Thompson noted the absence of FBI Director Cash Patel, questioning his priorities and suggesting fear of scrutiny or complicity with the Trump administration.
• 📌 The committee received Secretary Noem's testimony late, a violation of rules Thompson has not seen before in his tenure.

Allegations Against Secretary Noem

• 💰 Thompson accused Secretary Noem of awarding $220 million in questionable contracts to friends for filming her campaign trail, instead of deploying funds for homeland security.
• ✈️ He further alleged that $200 million was spent on private jets instead of funding cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.
• 🏠 Noem is accused of living rent-free in taxpayer-owned property meant for military leaders.

Disregard for Law and Misuse of Funds

• 📉 Thompson stated Noem has systematically dismantled the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and prioritized personal interests over the department's mission.
• ⚖️ Allegations include cutting programs, withholding appropriated funds, eviscerating the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and illegally firing employees and retaliating against whistleblowers.
• 🚫 Noem is accused of illegally ordering deportations despite court orders and DOJ counsel, and illegally shipping people to South Sudan without due process.
• 🚧 DHS, under Noem's direction, has allegedly terrorized, beaten, and detained American citizens, including US citizen children with cancer, and used excessive force against citizens.

Lack of Transparency and Call for Resignation

• 🔍 Secretary Noem is accused of hiding from congressional oversight, with numerous oversight letters going unanswered.
• 📊 DHS officials under Trump appeared in only three committee hearings, compared to 28 appearances under President Biden's first year.
• 🎤 Thompson called on Secretary Noem to resign, citing corruption, lies, and lawlessness, suggesting she is making America less safe.