Additional Coverage:
- Kristi Noem clutches grandbaby as she flees ICE meeting accused of tearing families apart (irishstar.com)
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made an abrupt exit from a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing today, leaving lawmakers and onlookers scratching their heads. The 54-year-old Secretary, who had endured nearly two hours of intense questioning and even a demonstration outside, departed clutching her grandchild amidst heckling from demonstrators.
Noem cited a pressing engagement, stating, “I have to actually leave this hearing early because the FEMA review council is giving their report today on suggestions for changes to FEMA. I have to co-chair it, but I will be leaving soon to have to go do that.” Notably, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joseph Kent and FBI National Security Branch Operations Director Michael Glasheen, who had accompanied Noem, remained in their seats.
The timing of her departure raised eyebrows, particularly as Representative Julie Johnson of Texas was about to begin her five minutes of questioning. “Is she leaving?”
Johnson asked in bewilderment as Noem walked out, creating a sudden hush in the chamber. A grinning Johnson then quipped, “I’m just going to take the position that she was scared of my questions.”
Chairman Andrew Garbarino agreed to suspend the clock, allowing for a brief recess. During this time, a noticeable disturbance from the corridor captured the attention of representatives, momentarily halting proceedings before Johnson continued.
Noem’s sudden exit quickly became a topic of discussion online, with some users on X making light of the situation. “She’s gotta get back to the office to pick out where Antifa is ‘located’,” one person joked, while another queried, “Isn’t that the same excuse Hegseth used?”
Noem Under Pressure
The Secretary’s departure followed a particularly intense line of questioning from New York Representative Dan Goldman. Noem appeared visibly uneasy as Goldman pressed her on a video depicting an ICE agent assaulting a woman in Chicago. Goldman highlighted that Noem’s department had initially condemned the officer’s conduct as “unacceptable and beneath the men and women of ICE,” and stated, “Our ICE law enforcement are held to the highest professional standards, and this officer is being relieved of current duties as we conduct a full investigation.”
However, Goldman then revealed, “Three days later, you reinstated that officer and you put him back on duty. I sent you a letter and asked you what investigation was done and why was he reinstated.”
He added, “You did not answer that letter. So I’m going to give you an opportunity right here to explain to me that if that officer’s conduct was, quote, beneath the men and women of ICE, unquote, why did you reinstate him?”
Noem, seemingly feeling the heat, attempted to justify her decision. “Sir, that investigation was completed,” she stated. “I can give you that investigation and the information that you would like,” Noem declared before being interrupted by Goldman, who asserted he had sent his letter two months prior without receiving a response.
“I’m actually surprised that you haven’t gotten it,” Noem responded, appearing to sidestep the direct accusation. “I’m going to ask my staff about that.”