Trending Now - Congressional Democrats Refer Kristi Noem for Perjury Investigation

WHO:

Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security

President Donald Trump

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., ranking member on the Senate Judiciary Committee

Attorney General Pam Bondi

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., nominated to replace Noem

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

WHAT:

Congressional Democrats are seeking criminal charges against Kristi Noem for perjury.

A letter was sent to the Department of Justice (DOJ) accusing Noem of lying to Congress during hearings.

Noem's statements are alleged to violate criminal statutes prohibiting perjury and making false statements.

The DHS is accused of violating court orders related to immigration enforcement.

Noem claimed that a $220 million ad campaign contract went through a competitive bidding process, which is disputed.

Making false statements to Congress is classified as a felony, with a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Trump announced Noem's removal from DHS and her new role as special envoy to the Shield of the Americas.

WHERE:

Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.

Rayburn building, where the House Judiciary Committee hearing took place.

WHEN:

March 3rd, 2026 - Noem testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

March 4th, 2026 - Noem testified before the House Judiciary Committee.

March 2026 - Trump announced Noem's removal from DHS.

March 16th, 2026 - Date of the news articles.

WHY:

Democrats allege that Noem's statements during her testimony were false and intended to undermine congressional oversight of DHS.

There is criticism from both sides of the aisle regarding Noem's handling of DHS and immigration enforcement.

HOW:

Raskin and Durbin sent a referral to the DOJ requesting an investigation into Noem's statements.

The DHS spokesperson stated that claims of Noem committing perjury are "categorically FALSE."

(UPDATED March 16, 2026 19:25 UTC)

Today, Congressional Democrats are pushing for criminal charges against Kristi Noem, accusing her of perjury related to her testimony before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees earlier this month. A letter was sent to the Department of Justice alleging that Noem made false statements about a $220 million ad campaign contract and the Department of Homeland Security's compliance with court orders on immigration enforcement. In response to these developments, President Trump announced Noem's removal from her position as Secretary of Homeland Security and her new role as special envoy to the Shield of the Americas.