Story perspectives

Trump dismisses Noem amid fallout over reoffending pardons

5/19/2026

Summary

Noem Faces Backlash

South Dakota Governor and DHS secretary Kristi Noem faces criticism after 12 of the 19 inmates she commuted early were charged with new crimes.
She issued 19 commutations in 2022-2023 without Board’s endorsement, causing seven face drug felonies and five face DUI or domestic-violence charges.
President Donald Trump dismissed Noem from Department of Homeland Security on March 5, 2026, leading Governor Larry Rhoden to issue 90 pardons, saying system isn’t broken.

Summary

Noem Clemency Probe

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) audit opened a probe into about $1 billion in purchases for ICE detention centers, raising transparency concerns.
The Independent reported clemency files omitted offense details and criteria Kristi Noem used to select 19 prisoners, Noem, who was governor 2019-2025, became DHS secretary in U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
Eight clemency orders for board-reviewed inmates resulted in releases and one charged with a new crime.

History

Historical Context

Jimmy Carter’s 1977 unconditional pardon of roughly 265,000 Vietnam draft evaders sparked fierce backlash from groups such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and prompted congressional oversight of clemency. That legacy echoes today as South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faces scrutiny for 19 commutations and a DHS $1 billion procurement probe, reviving debates over executive pardon power.

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Noem Faces Backlash

South Dakota Governor and DHS secretary Kristi Noem faces criticism after 12 of the 19 inmates she commuted early were charged with new crimes.
She issued 19 commutations in 2022-2023 without Board’s endorsement, causing seven face drug felonies and five face DUI or domestic-violence charges.
President Donald Trump dismissed Noem from Department of Homeland Security on March 5, 2026, leading Governor Larry Rhoden to issue 90 pardons, saying system isn’t broken.

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