The Digester

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was removed after two days of bruising congressional hearings that exposed questions about no-bid ad contracts, planned migrant detention warehouses, a leased private plane, and her adviser Corey Lewandowski’s role in contract approvals. Lawmakers have opened document requests and signaled possible investigations into procurement and potential false statements to Congress.

Noem was removed after two days of congressional hearings and reassigned to a new envoy role while Sen. Markwayne Mullin was named her replacement effective March 31.
Hearings focused on a fatal shooting by federal agents, a no-bid $220 million immigrant ad campaign, plans for large regional detention warehouses, and a proposed $70 million plane purchase.
Corey Lewandowski, an unpaid adviser and rumored partner, is reported to have signed off on multimillion-dollar contracts and appears on internal DHS routing documents.
Senators including Peter Welch and Richard Blumenthal have demanded documents and are pressing for investigations into possible financial benefits and procurement irregularities.
Procurement practices under scrutiny include unusually short bid windows and contract language favoring promotion of administration policies, and subcontractor ties have raised conflict of interest concerns.
A fleet of about 2,500 branded ICE vehicles reportedly sits idle after agents warned the markings would jeopardize enforcement operations.
Lawmakers are calling for further probes and a potential perjury investigation after discrepancies between Noem’s testimony and internal records were reported.

Kristi Noem ousted as DHS secretary amid contract and ethics scrutiny

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