A fiery exchange erupted Thursday during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, as Representative Bennie Thompson delivered a scathing rebuke to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, directly calling for her resignation. Thompson accused Noem of systematically dismantling the department, prioritizing personal interests, and violating the law, asserting her actions were actively endangering the nation. He suggested President Trump might be considering the same course of action.
The tension in the room was immediately palpable, but quickly escalated as protesters disrupted Noem’s opening statement. Voices filled the hearing room, demanding “Get ICE off our streets!” and accusing the agency of terrorizing communities. Capitol police swiftly intervened, escorting the demonstrators out and detaining them outside the chamber.
Despite the disruption, Noem attempted to maintain composure, even offering a wry observation about her granddaughter’s reaction. She noted the child, present in the audience, appeared distressed by Thompson’s accusations, jokingly adding, “I don’t think she agreed with him.”
Noem then pivoted to defending her department’s record, highlighting efforts to secure the southern border and combat transnational crime. She claimed DHS was successfully disrupting the flow of deadly drugs, curbing illegal immigration, and fortifying the nation’s cyber defenses against attacks on critical infrastructure.
Looking ahead, Noem warned of escalating threats as the United States prepares to host major international events in 2026, including the World Cup and the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. She emphasized these events would inevitably attract the attention of malicious actors, demanding heightened vigilance and security measures.
The hearing unfolded against a backdrop of speculation regarding Noem’s future. Rumors had circulated that President Trump was contemplating a replacement, but both Trump and Noem publicly dismissed these claims. Noem affirmed a strong working relationship with the President, stating she was proud to serve at his discretion.
Noem insisted she and President Trump were working effectively together, and she remained committed to her role. She characterized their partnership as “wonderfully” productive, signaling her intention to continue leading the Department of Homeland Security.
