US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testified for nearly seven hours before the House Judiciary Committee, marking her second consecutive day of questioning by lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The hearing focused on oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and came at a time when the agency is facing political pressure over immigration enforcement policies, a federal shutdown affecting its operations, and controversy surrounding remarks Noem made after a fatal law-enforcement incident.
The House session followed a tense Senate hearing a day earlier where some Republicans criticized Noem’s performance. In contrast, House Republicans offered a comparatively more supportive environment, though Democrats continued pressing her on several issues.
A key focus of the hearing was a recent immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis in which federal agents shot and killed two individuals, Alex Pretti and Renee Good. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Noem described the pair as being involved in acts of “domestic terrorism,” a claim that later faced scrutiny after video footage of the incident circulated publicly.
During the hearing, Jamie Raskin asked Noem if she would apologize for the comments.
“My heart is with them and we will continue to stand with them as they get a complete investigation into these situations,” Noem said.
However, she did not apologize for describing the individuals as domestic terrorists.
One of the most controversial moments came when Sydney Kamlager-Dove questioned Noem about her relationship with adviser Corey Lewandowski.
“At any time during your tenure as director of the Department of Homeland Security, have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski?” Kamlager-Dove asked.
“Mr. Chairman, I am shocked that we’re going down and peddling tabloid garbage in this committee today,” Noem replied.
Lewandowski, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, was senior adviser to Kristi Noem and a former Trump campaign manager.
Although Noem condemned the allegations and said they had been denied repeatedly, she did not directly answer “no” under oath when asked.
Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz later gave her another opportunity to address the claim directly.
“This has been something that I’ve refuted for years, and I continue to do that,” Noem said. She also accused critics of targeting conservative women.
“This is what you do, the socialist liberal left, is you go off and you attack conservative women and you say that we’re either stupid or we’re sluts,” she said.
House Republicans offered relatively mild criticism compared with the Senate hearing earlier in the week. Thomas Massie raised concerns about constitutional protections during immigration enforcement operations.
“I think for entering a residence or a private property, it would be helpful to have judicial warrants,” Massie said.
Meanwhile, Kevin Kiley questioned delays in wildfire prevention grants administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which operates under DHS.
“It’s just been waiting for your signature, which I understand is a new requirement that anything over $100,000 needs the secretary’s approval,” Kiley said.
Noem responded that the delays were likely caused by FEMA and said she primarily reviews contracts rather than routine grants.
The House session followed a tense Senate hearing a day earlier where some Republicans criticized Noem’s performance. In contrast, House Republicans offered a comparatively more supportive environment, though Democrats continued pressing her on several issues.
Lawmakers press Noem over Minnesota shootings
A key focus of the hearing was a recent immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis in which federal agents shot and killed two individuals, Alex Pretti and Renee Good. In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Noem described the pair as being involved in acts of “domestic terrorism,” a claim that later faced scrutiny after video footage of the incident circulated publicly.
During the hearing, Jamie Raskin asked Noem if she would apologize for the comments.
“My heart is with them and we will continue to stand with them as they get a complete investigation into these situations,” Noem said.
However, she did not apologize for describing the individuals as domestic terrorists.
Lewandowski question triggers heated exchange
One of the most controversial moments came when Sydney Kamlager-Dove questioned Noem about her relationship with adviser Corey Lewandowski.
“At any time during your tenure as director of the Department of Homeland Security, have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski?” Kamlager-Dove asked.
“Mr. Chairman, I am shocked that we’re going down and peddling tabloid garbage in this committee today,” Noem replied.
Lewandowski, a longtime ally of President Donald Trump, was senior adviser to Kristi Noem and a former Trump campaign manager.
Although Noem condemned the allegations and said they had been denied repeatedly, she did not directly answer “no” under oath when asked.
Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz later gave her another opportunity to address the claim directly.
“This has been something that I’ve refuted for years, and I continue to do that,” Noem said. She also accused critics of targeting conservative women.
“This is what you do, the socialist liberal left, is you go off and you attack conservative women and you say that we’re either stupid or we’re sluts,” she said.
Republicans offer limited criticism
House Republicans offered relatively mild criticism compared with the Senate hearing earlier in the week. Thomas Massie raised concerns about constitutional protections during immigration enforcement operations.
“I think for entering a residence or a private property, it would be helpful to have judicial warrants,” Massie said.
Meanwhile, Kevin Kiley questioned delays in wildfire prevention grants administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which operates under DHS.
“It’s just been waiting for your signature, which I understand is a new requirement that anything over $100,000 needs the secretary’s approval,” Kiley said.
Noem responded that the delays were likely caused by FEMA and said she primarily reviews contracts rather than routine grants.
