GOP faces scrutiny over DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's role as shutdown deadline approaches
WASHINGTON, DC: As Congress races toward a government shutdown deadline later this week, Republican leaders are facing growing pressure over the future of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Her continued leadership of the Department of Homeland Security has become a central obstacle in Senate negotiations, with Democrats signaling that they may block any funding agreement that includes appropriations for DHS if Noem remains in her post.
The standoff comes amid heightened scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement operations and renewed calls for accountability following fatal shootings involving federal officers. President Trump, however, has publicly reiterated his support for Noem.
Lawmakers across parties question Kristi Noem’s leadership
A growing number of Senate Democrats are calling for Noem to be removed, casting doubt on whether bipartisan support can be secured to prevent a shutdown.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (NY) sharply criticized Noem on the Senate floor on Tuesday, January 27, calling her a “liar” and “incompetent” and urging President Trump to “fire her at once before another American is killed.”
Schumer reiterated his warning that Democrats would block any government funding package that includes funding for DHS, which oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection.
Criticism has also emerged from within Republican ranks.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said on Tuesday that he no longer has confidence in Noem’s ability to lead the department.
Asked directly if he still supports her leadership, Tillis responded: “None at all, none at all.”
He added, “I think she’s out of her depth. She’s proven that. She doesn’t know how to lead, how to de-escalate. She’s exposing ICE officers to dangerous situations. She’s exposing US citizens to deadly situations.” Tillis said that those concerns have been communicated to the White House.
Other lawmakers have stopped short of calling for Noem’s resignation but have raised concerns about DHS operations.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said that questions about Noem’s leadership are ultimately “the president’s judgment call,” while endorsing calls for an independent investigation into the death of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse who was killed by Border Patrol agents.
“We’ve seen a lot of video evidence already, and clearly there are a lot of questions that are going to have to be answered,” Thune said.
Immigration enforcement fallout intensifies political pressure
The debate over Noem’s future is unfolding against the backdrop of public backlash to federal immigration enforcement actions, particularly in Minnesota.
Sen Rand Paul (R-Ky), chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, criticized Noem’s characterization of Pretti as a “domestic t*******t.”
“I can’t recall ever hearing a police chief immediately describing the victim as a ‘domestic t*******t’ or a ‘would-be assassin,’” Paul said, calling for an independent investigation to restore calm.
Rep Mark Amodei (R-Nev), who chairs the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, said that DHS leadership needs to change course.
“There needs to be a pivot in the whole operation,” he said, citing widespread public concern following the fatal shootings of two protesters in Minneapolis this month.
Despite the growing pressure, President Trump has stood by Noem.
Asked Tuesday whether she might resign, Trump replied, “No,” adding, “I think she’s doing a very good job. The border is totally secure.”
While Trump has recalled Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino from the Minneapolis operation and dispatched border czar Tom Homan to the state, Senate Democrats say more action is needed.
