Democratic Lawmakers Request DOJ Investigation Into Homeland Security Secretary
Democratic lawmakers have formally asked the US Justice Department to investigate Kristi Noem, the outgoing Secretary of Homeland Security, over allegations that she lied under oath to Congress regarding a costly advertising campaign. The referral was announced on March 16, 2026, by Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois and Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, who serve as the ranking Democrats on key House and Senate Judiciary Committees.
Allegations Center on $220 Million Media Campaign
At the heart of the controversy is a $220 million media campaign launched by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that prominently featured Noem's image and focused on immigration enforcement. Noem has defended the campaign as an effort to promote voluntary self-deportation among individuals living in the United States without legal status.
During testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in early March, Noem stated that US President Donald Trump knew about and approved the ad campaign in advance. She also asserted that the bidding process to award the campaign contracts was open and competitive.
Contradictions and Political Connections Emerge
However, President Trump later told reporters he did not recall approving the campaign beforehand. Records and investigative reporting suggest that the contract for the advertisements went to companies with political connections to Noem's staff, raising serious questions about how the work was awarded.
Durbin and Raskin's referral letter states that several answers Noem gave under oath appear to contradict documented facts, particularly regarding the advertising campaign, the involvement of political appointees, and details about the contract bidding process. They have urged the Department of Justice to determine whether those statements amounted to criminal perjury or false statements.
Broader Testimony Under Scrutiny
The referral also cites other parts of Noem's testimony, including her comments on conditions inside immigrant detention centers and whether her department obeyed federal court orders. The Justice Department is not required to open a criminal investigation in response to the referral, and there is no indication that charges have been filed at this time.
Many legal experts describe such referrals as symbolic when made by lawmakers of the opposing party, especially in cases where the person under scrutiny is allied with the current administration. Noem is a former governor of South Dakota who was appointed Secretary of Homeland Security in early 2025. Her leadership drew both praise and criticism for its hard-line immigration enforcement policies.
Administration Reshuffle and Departure
Noem is expected to leave her cabinet post at the end of March 2026 as part of an administration reshuffle. The investigation request comes at a critical juncture in her tenure, highlighting ongoing tensions between congressional oversight and executive branch officials.
The outcome of this referral could have significant implications for accountability within federal agencies and the enforcement of truthfulness in congressional testimony. As the Justice Department considers the request, political observers are watching closely to see whether this leads to formal proceedings or remains a partisan political maneuver.
