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All posts tagged "kristi noem"

'Peak cringe': Stephen Miller and Noem mocked for dancing to 'Ice Ice Baby' at Mar-a-Lago

A video from President Donald Trump's New Year's celebration at Mar-a-Lago has the internet laughing over a cringe-worthy dance moment featuring White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The video was captured by Miller's wife, former Elon Musk employee, Katie Miller, who also shared an image of the couple from the party on her social platforms, holding what appeared to be a baby bump followed by a slew of "congratulations" comments.

Miller, the architect of Trump's aggressive immigration and deportation policies, was seen moving his head to the popular 1990 hit. Noem, who has been responsible for carrying out ICE raids, was seen clapping, bouncing and doing a thumbs up move.

People had plenty of reactions on social media:

"He looks like he wants to be back at work already rather than Mandatory Fun," Ryan Lackey, chief strategy officer at Evertas Insurance, wrote on X.

"Peak cringe," user Lilith Datura wrote on X.

"I can't. Stephen Miller with Kristi Noem at Mar-a-Logo dancing to Ice, Ice, Baby. Prison is too good for these parasites," user Melayna, who described herself as a former federal whistleblower at the DOJ, wrote on Bluesky.

"Katie Miller posts of video of Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem dancing to a... rendition of 'ICE, ICE Baby' featuring a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle on stage. Subtle," user Jordan H. wrote on Bluesky.

'Unfathomably cruel' Kristi Noem is rapidly 'falling out of favor with Trump': report

Author Melissa Gira Grant argues President Donald Trump appears to be tiring of United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

Before Trump’s second term, the idea that somebody like Noem would head the Department of Homeland Security seemed “beyond unlikely,” Grant writes in The New Republic. “But her cruelty once handed this power was foreseeable. If Noem’s name rang any bells for most people before the Senate confirmed her to head DHS this January (to their enduring shame), it was because she shot her 14-month-old dog to death in a gravel pit and included the grisly scene in her election-year memoir.”

“But while it might be tempting to dismiss her unfathomably cruel DHS tenure as try-hard MAGA toadying, or as rank incompetence, she’s actually well suited for this job,” said Grant. “At DHS, Noem can keep doing whatever it is her job is without much of a break at all from the agency’s violent history.”

However, Noem now seems to be falling out of favor with Trump, or at least with deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.

“Reports circulated earlier this month [suggest] the administration is considering replacing her. At a wild hearing in early December, a number of Democratic lawmakers called for her resignation to her face.

Noem replied, “I will consider your asking me to resign as an endorsement of my work,” while enriching herself and her circle “starring in a series of DHS anti-immigrant ads, made by a company with long-standing ties to Noem, who were handed a $200 million DHS contract without competition.

Noem has also blown the agency’s budget purchasing planes for DHS to use for deportation flights, including two new luxury G700 Gulfstream jets for $200 million, and ten Boeing 737’s from a bankrupt budget airline, each without an engine, even as other, more vital agencies struggle to make ends meet.

But Grant says ICE Barbie, with her make-up, carefully curled hair and countless Hollywood-style tweaks, was a natural for DHS, “a young agency marked through its brief history by a multitude of f—— ups and abuses of power, ranging from its lethal insistence that white men cannot be terrorists to its catastrophic failures to respond to climate change-fueled disasters.”

Grant says Trump and Noem did not build the bumbling, money-hole agency they run, and “it will not be unmade merely by their departure alone — though it should be.”

Read the New Republic report at this link.

These ludicrous exchanges show how Trump lies infect voters' minds

On my Sirius XM program, I discussed the almost comical hearing this month in which a top FBI official, flanked by dog-killing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, claimed antifa — short for anti-fascist — was the “number one terrorist” threat in the United States. Yet he couldn’t answer repeated questions from Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) about where the group’s headquarters are, or how many people are actually in the group:

Michael Glasheen, operations director of the FBI’s National Security Branch, said antifa was the agency’s “primary concern” and “the most immediate violent threat that we’re facing.”

Glasheen did not answer a question from the top Democrat at the hearing, U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson, about the group’s location. When asked about the number of members, Glasheen said it was “very fluid” and that “investigations are active.”

“Sir, you wouldn’t come to this committee to say something that you can’t prove,” Thompson said to Glasheen. “I know you wouldn’t do that. But you did.”

Later, Glasheen was asked if the Proud Boys were still on the FBI’s list of domestic extremist organizations — after they were added in 2018, under Trump’s first term — but he didn’t answer, just saying, “We’re in the process right now of changing our categories for domestic terrorism.”

After I played the clips of the exchanges and commented on the ludicrousness of this — and the dangers — Steven from Los Angeles, clearly a MAGA supporter, called the program to disagree with me, claiming antifa is a terror threat he has witnessed firsthand.

Antifa of course doesn’t exist as any organized nationwide group. Some people engaging in protest call themselves ant-fascist, and often take on the name antifa — even carrying banners and other identifiers — but they mostly act independently of others who might use the term to to identify themselves.

The majority of those who call themselves antifa are opposed to violence, per the Department of Homeland Security under the Biden administration. Even if some people have called themselves antifa and have engaged in or inspired violent actions in one place or another during protests (which has happened), that doesn’t mean there’s an organized group engaged in actual organized terror plots.

But Steven didn’t get that, claiming vandalism in LA and elsewhere was “terrorism” which was coordinated by “Antifa”.

Steven: Okay, so I, um, I disagree with you, uh, living on the West Coast. Whether it’s antifa, whether you want to call it, whatever organization it is. But, I mean, they’ve ruined the streets of Los Angeles. San Francisco is a dump. Um, uh, Oregon is a dump. Uh, Seattle, Washington.

MS: Who who did this? Who ruined the streets? What did they do?

Steven: It was. Well, whatever organization you want to call it. Uh, the people that were protesting on the streets.

MS: You said antifa.

Steven: Well, that's who they're supposed to be, right?

After I pressed him on what they’re doing he said that in Portland and other places, “These people are on the streets every day. They're yelling at cars. The traffic is stopped.”

Yelling at cars? Yes, that’s what he said.

MS: Okay, Steven, that's not terrorism.

Steven: What is that? Terrorism. The stores are all closed.

MS: No, Stephen, that's not terrorism. You could tell me about vandalism. You could tell me about protests. You could even tell me about rioting, if you want, which we haven't seen.

But a terrorist and a terrorist organization are highly coordinated groups of people with plots and plans to take down the government or send a message to a group of people, and they engage in mass violence, bombings, mass shootings, kidnappings.

Why is our government spending all this money on this? You're telling me about what? Graffiti in Los Angeles?

He went on about how yelling at protests and throwing things — not explaining more — was terrorism.

But then when I brought up actual terrorism — January 6, police officers bludgeoned, the Proud Boys making threats, and the Oath Keepers, per law enforcement, stockpiling weapons at a hotel in Virginia, with a plan to bring them up the Potomac to take the Capitol — he had a very different answer.

Steven: You know what? I don't think we'll ever know the truth of that whole situation.

Oh yeah, it got a little hot from there before I ended the call! Listen in and let me know your thoughts!

  • Michelangelo Signorile writes The Signorile Report, a free and reader-supported Substack. If you’ve valued reading The Signorile Report, consider becoming a paid subscriber and supporting independent, ad-free opinion journalism.

This may be the lowest this monstrous regime can go

“Ms. Rachel, can ICE take me?”

“What about my dad? Can they take my dad away?”

“I feel so angry about how ICE is grabbing people out of my neighborhood.”

“I feel traumatized ever since ICE stole my sister.”

“I’m afraid to walk to school. I’m afraid to leave my house.”

“I want my mom back.”

These are real questions and comments I’ve heard from the kids I work with at Project Libertad in recent days, as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) terrorizes their communities daily.

While newcomers have always faced higher rates of anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and other mental health challenges than their US-born peers, the divide is becoming more apparent each day. These conversations with my kids represent a stark increase in fear and anxiety among immigrant children — and it’s not just an anecdotal shift. The data are clear: The Trump administration’s increasingly hostile immigration policies are irreversibly harming children.

Pediatricians Susan Kressly and Michelle Barnes warn of the lifelong impact these policies have on children’s development and health into adulthood:

Witnessing harm to others and living in constant fear is traumatic to all children in the community. These stressors disrupt brain development and have long-term negative effects on the health and well-being of impacted children. Ultimately, the cumulative effects make these communities less healthy.

Similarly, nonprofit newsroom CalMatters documents strained mental health among schoolchildren across California after a summer of widespread, aggressive ICE raids and warns of the long-term harm to children:

Experts say these raids and their aftermath may also have long-term consequences. Constant vigilance and worry puts children at greater risk of developing chronic anxiety and depression. Those who are separated from a parent face a host of social and emotional challenges.

A 2025 study in the Children and Youth Services Review showed that childhood exposure to “severe immigration enforcement” — which includes not just deportation, but also things like fear or arrest — is “significantly associated” with having anxiety as a young adult. The study’s authors call for “reforming immigration policies that unnecessarily harm members of families … and encourages social workers and allied professionals to recognize exposure to enforcement as a traumatic experience ...”

A new report in Psychiatry Online highlights the long-term, generational trauma caused by immigration enforcement and calls for the mental health community to not only improve treatment for immigrant youth and families, but also to join advocacy efforts in support of their immigrant patients.

Another recent study out of Florida from the from the National Bureau of Economic Research shows a 22 percent increase in student absences since January, a direct result of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement there. The study blames fears of deportation and family separation for the decrease in school attendance. That same study showed a decrease in students’ test scores linked to immigration enforcement.

ICE officers and child Federal immigration officers speak to a child at a court in Manhattan. REUTERS/David 'Dee' Delgado

The trauma of mass deportation also impacts US-born children of immigrant parents, who live in constant fear of being separated from their parents. For many, that nightmare has now become a reality. CNN identified over 100 US citizen children who were left behind after a parent was deported, ranging in age from babies to teens.

The research is clear; there is no debate to be had: US immigration policy is hurting children. All that’s left to do is decide what type of society we want to be. Are we a society that cares about the well-being of children? It’s a yes or no question. There’s no “but” or “if” or “only certain children” or “they should’ve come here legally” (don’t even get me started — you can read more on that faulty argument here). We either care about human rights — or we don’t.

James Baldwin wrote in The Nation in a 1980 essay:

The children are always ours, every single one of them, all over the globe; and I am beginning to suspect that whoever is incapable of recognizing this may be incapable of morality.

His words ring truer today than ever before. If you care about children; if you say you’re “pro-life;” if you consider yourself a good or moral person: The children are ours. They are yours. And history will hold you responsible for how you did (or did not) protect them.

  • Rachel Rutter, Esq., is the founder and executive director of Project Libertad, a nonprofit providing holistic legal and social services to immigrant youth. She was named a Top 5 CNN Hero in 2024 and a 2025 WHYY Good Souls Honoree for her leadership in supporting vulnerable immigrant communities.

'Astonishing scene': Shockwaves as Kristi Noem confronted by veteran on Capitol Hill

Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on Thursday was forced to face a combat veteran whose Irish wife has remained in prison for four months and is facing deportation over two bad checks she wrote 10 years ago — and the internet didn't hold back.

Noem, who is rumored to be on the chopping block, was confronted during the House Homeland Security Committee with a question from Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI), who followed up her claim, “We have not deported U.S. citizens or military veterans,” by asking, “I don't believe you served in the military. I haven't either, but I think you and I can agree that, as Americans, we owe everything to those who have served our country in uniform, particularly those who have served in combat. Do you agree with that?”

“I believe that people that are in this United States, that are citizens, have legal status here," Noem said in response.

But Magaziner turned the tables on Noem. He offered up a Purple Heart veteran who is now living in South Korea due to ICE, and who appeared at the hearing via Zoom, before directing her attention to veteran Jim Brown, who was in the audience and whose wife, a native of Ireland, has been jailed by DHS for four months as she awaits deportation.

People had strong reactions to the moment online:

"Great work here by @Rep_Magaziner exposing DHS Secretary Noem for lying about deporting veterans," Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) wrote on X.

"Shameful. And these are just ones we know about now. Noem never should have been confirmed. But she should be fired over this alone," Paul Rieckhoff, veteran and founder and executive director of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, wrote on X.

"WOW," activist and founder of Leaders We Deserve, David Hogg, wrote on X.

"Must watch on just a little - just a little — of the inhumanity in Trump immigration enforcement," Gene Sperling, former advisor to President Barack Obama and President Bill Clinton, wrote on X.

"If you didn't see @Rep_Magaziner question Noem. It's a must-watch. We need all of our lawmakers to come this prepared," Lana Quest, host of the Quest Show, wrote on X.

"This is extremely well thought out and impressive political stagecraft and narrative-building that doesn’t feel obviously PR-coded or exploitative," Chris Harihar, Executive Vice President at Crenshaw, wrote on X.

"Truly one of the most astonishing scenes i’ve ever watched play out in Congress," Zeteo writer Peter Rothpletz wrote on X.

"In such dark times it's so sweet feeling to see them caught in a lie that no wiggling will get out of," author John Hubach wrote on X.

Kristi Noem busted by Dem lawmaker over fake excuse for fleeing her hearing after grilling

A Florida Democrat punched a hole in the reason Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem gave for abruptly getting up and leaving a House Homeland Security Committee hearing just before another Democrat was poised to ask her five minutes' worth of questions.

Noem, who was accused of committing perjury and threatened with impeachment at various times, suddenly stood up and exited with her entourage just as Rep. Julie Johnson (D-TX) began to speak.

After Donald Trump’s appointee left, participants at the hearing were told that she had to get to pre-scheduled FEMA meeting.

However, as Rep. Moskowitz (D-FL) posted on X — the meeting had already been cancelled.

“Noem said she had to go chair the FEMA review council meeting. BUT I’m told that meeting was canceled,” he wrote.

That was backed up by NOTUS reporting, “Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem left a House hearing early on Thursday to attend a meeting about the future of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, drawing the ire of Democrats in the hearing room. The FEMA Review Council meeting was then abruptly canceled minutes before it was set to begin.”

The report added, “One source inside FEMA said they received a message that the meeting had been postponed until further notice,” while adding “it’s not clear whether Noem had prior knowledge that the FEMA council meeting had been canceled,” despite her overseeing the agency.

Kristi Noem forced to face combat veteran whose Irish wife has been jailed for four months

Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was put in the awkward position of apologizing to U.S. military veterans whose lives have been turned upside down, after a Democratic lawmaker who came armed to the teeth with tales of ICE immigrant overreach.

During questioning before the House Homeland Security Committee, the embattled Noem, who is reportedly on the way out at DHS, was confronted by Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) who followed up her claim, “We have not deported U.S. citizens or military veterans,” by asking, “I don't believe you served in the military. I haven't either, but I think you and I can agree that, as Americans, we owe everything to those who have served our country in uniform, particularly those who have served in combat. Do you agree with that?”

She answered, “I believe that people that are in this United States that are citizens have legal status here.”

Magaziner then offered up a Purple Heart veteran who is now living in South Korea due to ICE, and who appeared at the hearing via Zoom, before directing her attention to veteran Jim Brown, who was in the audience and whose wife, a native of Ireland, has been jailed by DHS for four months as she awaits deportation.

In an interview with the Guardian, Brown gained national attention for confessing, “... he ‘100%”’regretted voting for Donald Trump as president.”

“Madam Secretary, the man behind you, please stand up, sir, his name is Jim Brown from Troy, Missouri," Magaziner began. “He is a Navy combat veteran who served our country in the Gulf War. He's married to a woman named Donna who came to our country legally from Ireland when she was 11 years old. She has lived here for 48 years. Because of you. Jim's wife, Donna, has been in prison for the last four months. She did not come here illegally and she has never committed any crime other than writing two bad checks totaling $80.10 years ago. She is currently in prison and facing deportation.”

“Miss Noem, will you thank Mr. Brown for his service to our country?” he asked.

Noem turned in her seat to the right and murmured to the standing veteran, "Thank you, Mr. Brown, for your service to our country.”

"Now, what possible explanation can there be for locking up his wife for four months when she has committed no crime, other than writing a couple of bad checks for $80?” the Democratic lawmaker pressed.

“Sir, it is not my prerogative, my attitude or my job to pick and choose which laws in this country get enforced,” she demurred.

- YouTube youtu.be

'Modern Gestapo!' Protests erupt as Kristi Noem leaves hearing early

Protesters lashed out at Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after she left a hearing early.

Hours before the House Homeland Security Committee was scheduled to adjourn on Thursday, Noem said she had to leave to attend to department business.

"I have to actually leave this hearing early because the FEMA review council is giving their report today on suggestions for changes to FEMA," the secretary said before getting up to exit the hearing.

As she left, protesters could be shouting, "Shame!"

"You are the modern SS & Gestapo!" a demonstrator yelled as Noem hugged "Angel Mom" Agnes Gibboney, whose son was allegedly shot and killed by an undocumented immigrant.

Protesters accused Noem of using Gibboney as a shield.

'Chopping block': Analyst predicts major 'ax fall' on 3 Trump Cabinet members in new year

An analyst Thursday predicted that President Donald Trump could cut three major Cabinet members in 2026.

Salon's Heather Digby Parton indicated that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel are "rumored to be on the chopping block." But it won't be Trump who cuts them, instead, he will likely pass off the duty to someone else, according to the analyst.

Although Trump has not had a large amount of turnover in his second administration, as the one-year mark since his inauguration approaches, "rumblings of impending personnel changes are growing louder."

Most of his cabinet has stayed in their jobs by following the president's demands.

"There is no question in this administration what the requirements are: Tell Trump only what he wants to hear, slather him with praise at every opportunity and never, under any circumstances, disagree with anything he says," Digby Parton wrote.

So far, that approach has worked for them.

"The majority of Trump’s Cabinet officials and White House staff have survived quite well simply by willingly debasing themselves at every opportunity," Digby Parton wrote.

But that could be changing. It appears that Vice President JD Vance has lined up his college friend Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll to replace Hegseth when the time comes.

"Driscoll is now deeply involved in the Ukraine talks, and Hegseth is looking over his shoulder," Digby Parton added.

And although the White House has denied anyone in the administration will be fired, the signs have started to surface.

"But Trump is in trouble, and when he’s in trouble he lashes out and blames anyone but himself, so we can expect to see the ax fall on quite a few heads over the next few months. Trump, though, won’t be the one to wield it. He’s much too cowardly to ever say 'you’re fired!' to anyone’s face," Digby Parton wrote.

'The power of Christ compels you!' Screaming protester interrupts Kristi Noem amid hearing

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was confronted by a protester at the beginning of her hearing Thursday morning in Washington, D.C.

Noem was beginning to speak to a panel of lawmakers about potential security threats when a protester, who appeared to be wearing a liturgical outfit, stood up with a sign and wooden cross and started yelling "stop the raids, the power of Christ compels you. End deportations!"

He was escorted out of the room by Capitol police.

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