Full Breakdown
Rehiring of Dr. Alexander Eastman at DHS Raises Questions Over Ongoing Misconduct Probes
5/22/2026, 2:03:19 AM
Rehiring Amid Ongoing Investigations
In October 2024, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) placed Dr. Alexander Eastman, a 51-year-old physician, back on the payroll of the Office of Health Security with a salary of $323,933. The appointment occurred while investigations into alleged sexual harassment, unlawful firearm possession, and improper narcotics procurement remained open.
Background and Prior Removal
Dr. Eastman, acting chief medical officer for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), was removed in December 2024 after whistleblower complaints. CBP investigators found he drank beer while armed in Tucson and authored an unauthorized narcotics policy to obtain fentanyl lollipops for a 2023 UN mission. He then spent ten months on investigative leave, received a seven-day suspension for the violations, and was flagged by the Office of Special Counsel to the White House in July.
Salary and Pay Context
Eastman’s $323,933 salary makes him the only DHS employee to exceed $300,000 in a year, placing him in the top 1 % of federal earners and $78,000 above DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s pay. DHS employs a “Doctors and Dentists” pay scale; a 2022 study found at least 100 federal medical staff earning over $400,000 annually.
Official Statements & Agency Response
DHS spokespersons said “is committed to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct” and that “the overwhelming majority of employees perform their duties with honor and distinction.” Dr. Eastman’s attorney Dan Schwager argued the allegations were “unfounded or unsubstantiated, and only two minor policy violations were found.” The White House referred questions about the rehiring to DHS.
Criticism & Opposition
DHS sources criticized the rehiring, noting that “Eastman’s inappropriate behavior and actions appear only to have effectively earned him a 10-month paid vacation and return to full duty.” Observers highlighted the contrast between his high salary and the unresolved misconduct probes.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the majority” of the allegations were “determined to be unfounded or unsubstantiated, and only two minor policy violations were found.” — Dan Schwager, attorney
- “Eastman’s inappropriate behavior and actions appear only to have effectively earned him a 10-month paid vacation and return to full duty,” — DHS insider
- “single sip” — Dan Schwager, describing the beer incident
- “committed to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct” — DHS spokesperson
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the severity of Eastman’s conduct. CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility cited policy breaches and Arizona law violations for drinking while armed, while Schwager describes the incident as an inadvertent “single sip.” The sexual-harassment probe remains open; the Dallas Morning News reported at least 12 complaints across multiple institutions, yet Eastman denies all allegations.
What’s Next
The White House’s referral of questions to DHS suggests forthcoming congressional or inspector-general review. Ongoing investigations by the Office of Special Counsel and DHS internal affairs will determine whether disciplinary action or policy changes are needed. The outcome could affect future hiring of high-paid medical staff in federal agencies.
