Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, faces accusations of overlooking a critical internal report highlighting significant national security vulnerabilities in airport screenings.
The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Joseph Cuffari issued a classified report in November, pointing to Noem’s decision last summer to eliminate the requirement for passengers to remove shoes during TSA checks. Current scanners fail to adequately detect threats concealed in footwear, the report warns, thereby introducing new risks.
Watchdog Report Blocked and Classified Higher
DHS officials elevated the report’s classification level and prevented its public release. Cuffari had alerted Noem to these issues in August. Homeland security personnel describe this handling as consistent with her approach to security matters, prioritizing public image and alignment with President Trump over operational priorities.
A DHS spokesperson maintains that the department addressed the report appropriately, rejecting Cuffari’s assertions. They note that numerous recommendations were already implemented following extensive testing—over 1,000 risk assessments—conducted since the Biden administration.
Ongoing Non-Compliance Allegations
In a February 17 letter to Congress, Cuffari stated that DHS and TSA failed to respond to his four corrective action recommendations within the legally required three months. The department disputes this claim.
Many White House officials remain unaware of the report. President Trump’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, defended Noem, stating: “President Trump and Secretary Noem have ensured the most secure border in our Nation’s history and our homeland is undoubtedly safer today than it was when the President took office last year. The President continues to have full confidence in the Secretary.”
Background on the Shoe Policy Change
After more than two decades, the shoe removal mandate—introduced following the 2001 ‘Shoe Bomber’ attempt by Richard Reid—ended abruptly in July. The shift links to advances in screening technology and reassessed threat levels.
TSA PreCheck travelers previously kept shoes on; now all passengers qualify, provided they present a REAL ID or passport for domestic flights. Standard driver’s licenses no longer suffice. Certain passengers may still need to remove footwear.
Noem’s Broader Challenges at DHS
Noem endures intense criticism within the Trump administration, amplified by January ICE shootings in Minnesota. Reports suggest she explores resigning to reclaim a South Dakota Senate seat amid backlash against mass deportation efforts.
Noem and associate Corey Lewandowski reportedly polled public approval. South Dakota voters favor her over Sen. Mike Rounds in hypothetical matchups. Advisers to Trump delay leadership changes until after filing deadlines.
Her DHS tenure features corruption claims, infighting, and a fearful workplace culture. Noem and Lewandowski demoted or fired non-loyalists, splitting the department into factions: Noem supporters versus career officials backing border czar Tom Homan.
Pressure mounts to hit deportation targets, with 80% of ICE career leadership ousted. Following an incident, Trump assigned Homan to lead the Minneapolis immigration effort, sidelining Noem.
Noem previously served two terms as South Dakota governor before her cabinet role.
