Criticism of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Over Disaster Aid Delays

Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) has publicly criticized Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem for her handling of disaster recovery aid in North Carolina, particularly following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in the fall of 2024. Tillis's remarks highlight significant delays in federal aid distribution, which he attributes to Noem's leadership and policies.

Tillis rails against Noem on Senate floor for North Carolina hurricane responseNC’s Thom Tillis calls for Kristi Noem’s removal — and not just over MinneapolisTillis: 'Noem Is Out of Her Depth,' She's 'Not Competent'

Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina in September 2024, resulting in at least 108 storm-related deaths and extensive damage. Although FEMA has allocated over $1 billion in aid to the state, Tillis pointed out that approximately $17 billion in disaster funding nationwide is currently held up due to Noem's requirement for personal review of any FEMA spending exceeding $100,000. This policy has led to significant delays in releasing funds that have already been approved by regional FEMA offices.

NC’s Thom Tillis calls for Kristi Noem’s removal — and not just over Minneapolis

In a Senate floor speech, Tillis stated, “The data clearly shows that something is seriously wrong here,” emphasizing the inefficiencies introduced under Noem's leadership. He compared the federal response to Hurricane Helene unfavorably against responses to previous storms, Matthew and Florence, which were managed more effectively.

Tillis rails against Noem on Senate floor for North Carolina hurricane response

Tillis has not only criticized Noem's management of disaster relief but has also called for her resignation, asserting that her policies have “inflicted needless pain” on vulnerable communities. His discontent was amplified following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, where he accused Noem of poor leadership. Tillis stated, “It’s not a secret that I have problems with the secretary of Homeland Security and the way that her failed leadership has led to unconscionable results in Minneapolis.”

NC’s Thom Tillis calls for Kristi Noem’s removal — and not just over Minneapolis

In response to the delays, Tillis acknowledged the recent release of $233 million in reimbursements for Hurricane Helene-related expenses but emphasized that this funding was long overdue. He criticized Noem's leadership style, stating, “No reasonable business person would accept this in the C-suite. She needs to get out of the C-suite.” Tillis's sentiments reflect a broader frustration among North Carolina's political leaders regarding the inefficiencies in disaster response.

NC’s Thom Tillis calls for Kristi Noem’s removal — and not just over Minneapolis

Tillis's criticism is echoed by fellow Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who has also called for Noem's resignation. Both senators have expressed that the delays in disaster aid are unacceptable, particularly as communities in North Carolina continue to recover from recent storms. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) has similarly criticized Noem's policies, blocking nominations of DHS officials to expedite aid release.

NC’s Thom Tillis calls for Kristi Noem’s removal — and not just over Minneapolis

While Tillis and other senators have highlighted the delays and inefficiencies in FEMA's response under Noem, the DHS has not publicly addressed these specific criticisms in detail. The lack of a comprehensive response from Noem or DHS regarding the operational challenges and the rationale behind the review process remains a gap in the ongoing discourse.

Tillis rails against Noem on Senate floor for North Carolina hurricane response

• “The data clearly shows that something is seriously wrong here,” — Sen. Thom Tillis

Tillis rails against Noem on Senate floor for North Carolina hurricane response

• “The people of Western North Carolina, the people of eastern Tennessee, the people of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, who were affected by Helene deserve better. No reasonable business person would accept this in the C-suite. She needs to get out of the C-suite.” — Sen. Thom Tillis

NC’s Thom Tillis calls for Kristi Noem’s removal — and not just over Minneapolis

• “It’s not a secret that I have problems with the secretary of Homeland Security and the way that her failed leadership has led to unconscionable results in Minneapolis,” — Sen. Thom Tillis

NC’s Thom Tillis calls for Kristi Noem’s removal — and not just over Minneapolis

As the situation develops, the focus remains on the effectiveness of DHS under Noem's leadership and the implications for disaster response in North Carolina and beyond.

Tillis rails against Noem on Senate floor for North Carolina hurricane response