Bondi pressed to investigate Noem following allegations of perjury before Congress
WASHINGTON, DC: Attorney General Pam Bondi is expected to receive a formal recommendation Monday, March 16, urging the Department of Justice to consider opening a criminal perjury investigation into former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
The request is being advanced by Sen Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Rep Jamie Raskin (D-MD), who argue that Noem made false statements during congressional testimony two weeks ago.
Sen. Durbin: I have never been through a hearing like our DHS oversight hearing with Kristi Noem. She took an oath to tell the truth. Her testimony was not just evasive, she repeatedly made false statements under oath. pic.twitter.com/1e74VaUzS2
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) March 5, 2026
According to reporting by journalist Scott MacFarlane, the recommendation outlines at least four statements lawmakers believe may qualify as perjury.
Noem was removed from the Cabinet following the hearing and has since been reassigned by President Donald Trump to serve as a special envoy.
The administration has nominated Sen Markwayne Mullin to replace her as secretary.
Democratic leaders on the Senate and House Judiciary Committees are now urging the Justice Department to review her testimony.
Falsehoods alleged in taxpayer advertising campaign
One area cited in the referral centers is a $220 million advertising campaign funded with federal resources.
The campaign prominently featured Noem and drew scrutiny from lawmakers regarding the contracting process and approval of the promotional effort.
Kristi Noem is out at DHS. Here's a TV commercial of her on a horse, filmed five months ago at Mount Rushmore, for an ad campaign that cost more than $200 million pic.twitter.com/U1RtvlYc4w
— Drew Harwell (@drewharwell) March 5, 2026
Durbin and Raskin are expected to submit transcripts from Noem’s testimony addressing how the contracts were awarded and the extent of her involvement in the campaign’s messaging.
Lawmakers argue that her responses about the spending and oversight of the program may have been misleading.
The recommendation asks the Justice Department to determine whether the procurement process was properly followed and whether Noem’s statements accurately reflected the department’s decision-making.
Scrutiny over immigrant detention facility claims
The referral also calls for review of Noem’s testimony concerning conditions in immigrant detention facilities overseen by the Department of Homeland Security during her tenure.
Lawmakers say the investigation should examine her statements about whether the facilities complied with federal standards for detainee treatment.
The request also references claims that the department may have failed to follow certain federal court directives related to detention operations.
Additionally, Durbin and Raskin raised questions about statements Noem made regarding the detention of US citizens during enforcement actions.
They argue the descriptions provided during testimony did not match information later obtained by congressional investigators.
DOJ unlikely to pursue criminal charges
Despite the referral, analysts say the Justice Department is unlikely to pursue criminal charges. Attorney General Pam Bondi leads the department, and the administration has defended Noem’s actions and testimony.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security rejected the accusations, calling claims that Noem committed perjury “categorically false.”
The referral arrives as the Senate prepares to begin confirmation proceedings for Mullin, Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Meanwhile, Noem continues serving in her new role as special envoy while the Justice Department reviews the materials submitted by lawmakers.
