Wall Street Journal Investigation Reveals 'Constant Chaos' in Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary Kristi Noem
A bombshell report from The Wall Street Journal has alleged that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is mired in "constant chaos" under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem. The investigation paints a disturbing portrait of a federal agency where headline-grabbing immigration crackdowns, meticulously staged photo opportunities, and intense internal power struggles collide behind closed doors, creating an environment of dysfunction and turmoil.
High-Visibility Stunts and Internal Consolidation of Power
According to sources within the department cited by the newspaper, Secretary Noem has aggressively pursued high-visibility immigration enforcement operations. These efforts are characterized by agency-branded flak jackets, carefully orchestrated imagery, and a focus on media-ready presentations. Critics describe Noem as a politician who consistently seeks to "burnish her personal stardom at every turn," often sidelining rivals and dissenters to consolidate her control. The report notes her penchant for posing with guns as props while maintaining television-ready hair and makeup, suggesting a prioritization of image over substantive governance.
Bizarre and Controversial Incidents Alleged
The Wall Street Journal detailed several strange and controversial incidents that underscore the alleged chaos within DHS:
- The Lost Blanket Incident: In one of the more peculiar claims, the report alleges that Secretary Noem ordered a Coast Guard pilot to be fired after a maintenance issue forced her to switch planes, resulting in a favorite blanket being left behind. The pilot was abruptly dismissed, ordered to take a commercial flight home, and then reinstated only because no other pilot was available to continue the journey. A DHS spokesperson did not address this specific incident but stated that the secretary makes personnel decisions to "deliver excellence."
- Adviser's Quest for a Badge and Gun: The newspaper reports that Noem's top adviser, Corey Lewandowski, expressed a desire to be issued a law enforcement badge and a federally issued gun without undergoing the necessary training. When former ICE official Tom Feeley was considered for a director role, he was asked by Lewandowski about issuing these items; Feeley refused and was subsequently overlooked for the position. ICE lawyer Ken Padilla also reportedly refused the request and was placed on administrative leave before being demoted. Lewandowski allegedly obtained a gun via an ICE director's autopen, a detail noted for its irony given political controversies over such devices. A DHS spokesperson denied these events, asserting Lewandowski made no such efforts and that Padilla's leave was for other reasons.
- Retaliatory Tactics Against Officials: Similar retaliatory actions were alleged against Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, whom Noem and Lewandowski reportedly tried to force out by reassigning his chief of staff and pressuring his deputy to resign. Scott, as a Senate appointee, remains outside the secretary's direct jurisdiction.
Allegations of a Close Relationship and Presidential Discomfort
The report revived long-standing rumors of an extramarital affair between Secretary Noem and her top adviser, Corey Lewandowski, both of whom are married. They have repeatedly denied these allegations, with Noem calling them a "disgusting lie." However, The Wall Street Journal stated that the close relationship made former President Donald Trump and his advisers uncomfortable, leading Trump to reject Lewandowski as Noem's chief of staff due to reports of a romantic connection. The newspaper also noted that Noem moved into a government-owned waterfront house on a military base in Washington, D.C., after tabloid photos showed Lewandowski frequently visiting her previous residence. A DHS spokesperson claimed the move was for security reasons and that Noem pays rent, urging the paper to avoid "salacious, baseless gossip."
Implications and Denials
This comprehensive investigation by The Wall Street Journal highlights significant concerns about leadership and stability within the Department of Homeland Security. The allegations suggest a pattern of behavior focused on personal branding and internal conflict, potentially compromising the agency's effectiveness. While DHS officials have issued denials and alternative explanations for specific incidents, the report raises serious questions about the management and operational integrity of a critical federal department under Secretary Kristi Noem's tenure.
