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Noem Defends Homeland Security Amid Inspector General Controversy

3/5/2026

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Noem Defends Homeland Security

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the department against allegations it obstructed inspector general's work.
At a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Noem said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari could access information with a scoping memo.
Cuffari's letter to Congress claimed the department blocked his access to databases, hindering investigations, including a criminal inquiry.
The dispute follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s dismissal of watchdogs last year, with Cuffari among the few inspectors general.

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Yoho's Controversial Profits

New financial statements allege Benjamin Yoho, husband of former DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, profited from a DHS advertising campaign.
During a Senate hearing, Sen. John Kennedy questioned contracts with The Strategy Group, Yoho's firm, alleging it received a significant portion of a $220 million budget.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the bidding process as competitive.
The Strategy Group denied a DHS contract, and Tricia McLaughlin recused herself to avoid conflicts.

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Noem Defends Homeland Security

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the department against allegations it obstructed inspector general's work.
At a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Noem said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari could access information with a scoping memo.
Cuffari's letter to Congress claimed the department blocked his access to databases, hindering investigations, including a criminal inquiry.
The dispute follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s dismissal of watchdogs last year, with Cuffari among the few inspectors general.

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