Moskowitz Slams Noem’s DHS Tenure: ‘Worst Since 9/11’

Rep. Moskowitz Blasts Former DHS Secretary Noem’s Performance

Washington D.C. – In the wake of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s departure from the administration, Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz delivered a scathing assessment of her tenure, labeling her performance as the “worst secretary of homeland security since the creation of it after 9-11.” Moskowitz, who participated in a recent House Judiciary hearing where Noem faced intense scrutiny, detailed his criticisms, focusing on what he described as the dismantling of FEMA, questionable contract awards, and a decline in public confidence regarding the administration’s immigration policies.

Immigration Policy and Public Perception

Moskowitz highlighted the administration’s immigration policies as a key area where Noem allegedly failed to meet expectations. “She literally took the president’s core issue on immigration, which he was pulling at 60 percent in September, and got that down to 39 percent,” Moskowitz stated, suggesting a significant drop in public approval under her leadership. He further elaborated on the perceived negative outcomes, referencing incidents where “two Americans [were] shot, one in the face and one in the back under her leadership,” necessitating the deployment of federal resources from other states.

FEMA ‘Destroyed’ Under Noem’s Watch

A former Emergency Management Director for the state of Florida, Moskowitz expressed particular dismay over the state of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during Noem’s tenure. “She has completely destroyed FEMA, gutted that agency,” he asserted. “She didn’t make it faster. She didn’t reform it. She didn’t make it better. She made it absolutely solitary worse.” Moskowitz suggested that a future Democratic-controlled House would uncover “staggering” levels of corruption within the agency, implying a deep-seated mismanagement that went beyond policy disagreements.

Controversial Contracts and Allegations of Lying

A central theme of the criticism revolved around a series of controversial contracts awarded under Noem’s leadership, particularly a nearly $143 million contract for television commercials. Moskowitz echoed concerns raised in congressional hearings about the awarding of this contract to a company that allegedly lacked a physical headquarters, a website, and prior federal government experience. The company was reportedly linked to a political operative.

Moskowitz pointed to testimony suggesting that Noem may have misled Congress and the public regarding these contracts. “She lied about the contract. She lied about Corey Lewandowski being involved in the approval of the bill. She lied about Corey Lewandowski being involved in the approval of those contracts,” he claimed. Furthermore, Moskowitz cited a specific exchange where Noem reportedly stated that the President had approved the advertising contract, an assertion that the President himself, through Senator Kennedy, appeared to dispute. “Her version of the truth and the president’s version of the truth are decidedly different,” Moskowitz remarked, interpreting Senator Kennedy’s questioning as having “walked right into an accidental trap.”

The ‘Cricket’ Incident and Credibility Issues

Moskowitz also drew parallels between Noem’s handling of the controversial contracts and her past controversial personal decisions, referencing the widely publicized incident where she shot her dog, referred to as ‘Cricket.’ “You shot your puppy in the face. You then went and killed your family goat. You wrote about it. You thought it was a teachable moment. And that’s why you reacted the same way you reacted when those Americans were killed,” Moskowitz stated, linking these incidents to broader questions of judgment and leadership. He implied that her public statements about the individuals killed in street incidents were also untruthful.

Incoming Secretary Inherits a ‘Mess’

Looking ahead, Moskowitz addressed the incoming Homeland Security Secretary, Mark Wayne Mullin, warning him that he is “inheriting a mess.” He described the department as a “disaster” due to the “wave of destruction that Kristi Noem is leaving him.” Moskowitz expressed hope that Mullin would have the opportunity to “fix the department, clean it up, reform it and try to heal the country based on the division that Kristi has done over there.”

A Fresh Opening for DHS Funding Negotiations?

The congressman suggested that Noem’s departure could create a new opportunity for bipartisan negotiations to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, which has been operating under a partial shutdown. “I don’t think it’s a one-to-one where now that she’s gone it reopens, but I think it’s an opening to allow the dialogue to start up again,” Moskowitz explained. He emphasized that progress was stalled while Noem remained in her position, stating, “You’re not going to vote for policy and think that she is going to implement it.” He urged Democrats and Republicans to engage in dialogue to find common ground and secure funding for the department, ensuring that DHS employees receive their paychecks.

The Role of Corey Lewandowski

Moskowitz also delved into the alleged influence of Corey Lewandowski, a former advisor to the Department of Homeland Security. Citing reports and testimony, Moskowitz claimed that Lewandowski reviewed a significant amount of internal DHS documents, even having his signature on routing documents above deputy secretaries. He further alleged that Lewandowski was involved in the dismissal of a former FEMA administrator and was instrumental in imposing a polygraph test on him. Moskowitz also referenced a report about Lewandowski allegedly firing a Coast Guard pilot for failing to secure Noem’s blanket during a plane change, only to rehire the pilot later.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability

Congressman Moskowitz’s strong condemnation of Kristi Noem’s tenure at the Department of Homeland Security underscores deep-seated concerns about leadership, fiscal responsibility, and policy implementation. His remarks suggest a belief that Noem’s actions have not only damaged the department’s operational capacity but also eroded public trust. As the new secretary takes the helm, the focus will likely remain on addressing the alleged mismanagement, restoring confidence in FEMA, and navigating the complex challenges of national security and immigration policy.

Source: Rep. Moskowitz blasts Kristi Noem: 'Will go down as the worst DHS Secretary' (YouTube)