Former DHS Secretary (fired March 5, 2026) Department of Homeland Security
American Loyalty State

Kristi Noem

DHS Secretary fired by Trump on March 5, 2026, after two days of devastating congressional testimony revealed she could not explain $220M+ in no-bid advertising contracts awarded to shell companies and political operatives with direct personal ties to her and her advisers. Testified under oath that Trump approved the ad campaign; Trump told Reuters hours before firing her that he 'never knew anything about it.' One of them committed perjury.

The $220 Million Question

Kristi Noem was confirmed as DHS Secretary on January 25, 2025. Within three weeks, her department awarded $142.8 million in no-bid contracts to Safe America Media LLC — a Delaware shell company incorporated 8 days before receiving the first contract. The company had no website, no headquarters, no employees, and no federal contracting history.

The contracts were justified under “unusual and compelling urgency” using Trump’s border national emergency declaration. The solicitation went out February 10-11; contracts were awarded February 13-14 — 3 days later, to hand-picked companies.

The Hearings (March 3-4, 2026)

Senate Judiciary Committee (March 3):

  • Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) asked point-blank if Trump approved spending $220M on ads featuring Noem prominently. She said: “Yes, sir.”
  • Sen. Blumenthal asked if Lewandowski approved contracts. She said: “No.”
  • Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) — a Republican — called her DHS leadership “a disaster.”

House Committee (March 4):

  • Rep. Neguse asked where Safe America Media was headquartered. Noem didn’t know. Neguse: “We can’t find it either.”
  • Rep. Kamlager-Dove asked directly: “Have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski?” Noem called it “tabloid garbage” but did not deny it under oath.

The Perjury Trap

Noem testified Trump approved the $220M campaign. Trump told Reuters on March 5 he “never knew anything about” it. Hours later, he fired her. Either Noem lied to Congress about presidential approval, or Trump lied to Reuters. Either way, it was the final breach of trust.

Trump nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) as replacement, effective March 31. Noem was given the face-saving title “Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas.”

Impeachment Resolution

H.Res.996 — Articles of impeachment against Noem — was co-sponsored by 87% of House Democrats (187 of 214). Three articles: obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust (Minneapolis ICE shootings), and self-dealing (the ad contracts). Rendered moot by Trump’s firing.

Sources