Overview
- The Wall Street Journal reports widespread dysfunction at DHS under Secretary Kristi Noem, describing centralized control, media-driven enforcement priorities, and friction with Trump border czar Tom Homan.
- DHS officials deny several claims in the report, including the allegation that a Coast Guard pilot was fired after Noem’s blanket was left behind on a plane.
- The White House Counsel’s office previously opened an inquiry into Lewandowski’s conduct as a special government employee, with officials concerned about his involvement in personnel and contracting decisions.
- Reporting says Noem and Lewandowski have removed or demoted roughly 80% of ICE’s career field leadership, as fallout from the Minneapolis shootings led to Homan taking charge and later winding down the operation.
- Public pushback continues, with protesters disrupting Noem’s Otay Mesa border event, and separate reporting says DHS has been using a leased 737 MAX and is moving to acquire it for about $70 million.