Noem DHS Confirmation: Democrats’ Regret
- Washington — Months after voting to confirm Kristi Noem as secretary of homeland Security,several Senate Democrats are voicing strong criticism and regret over their decision.
- Tim Kaine, D-Va., expressed his disappointment, stating he would not vote for her if the vote were held today.
- Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters, both of Michigan; Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, both of New Hampshire; and John Fetterman, of Pennsylvania, were the other Democrats who initially...
Months after confirmation,Democratic senators express profound regret over their decision to back Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary. Key figures like Senators kaine and Kim now openly criticize noem’s leadership, citing deep concerns around immigration policies and national security, actions that undermine the very goals of the Department of Homeland Security. Senator Schiff delivered a stinging rebuke, highlighting her “embarrassing” performance. Several Democrats, including Slotkin, Peters, Hassan, Shaheen, and Fetterman, who initially supported her, reveal second thoughts. News Directory 3 brings you the latest on thes developing concerns. Discover what’s next as oversight intensifies.
Senators Question DHS Secretary Noem’s Role After Confirmation Vote
Updated June 18,2025
Washington — Months after voting to confirm Kristi Noem as secretary of homeland Security,several Senate Democrats are voicing strong criticism and regret over their decision. Seven Democrats initially supported Noem’s confirmation shortly after President Trump’s inauguration.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., expressed his disappointment, stating he would not vote for her if the vote were held today. Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., echoed this sentiment, accusing Noem of “weaponizing” the Department of Homeland Security and implementing policies that undermine national security. Kim stated he has “no confidence in her leadership right now.”
sens. Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters, both of Michigan; Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen, both of New Hampshire; and John Fetterman, of Pennsylvania, were the other Democrats who initially voted to confirm Noem. The confirmation vote on Jan. 25 resulted in a 59-34 outcome, with unanimous Republican support. Six senators who caucus with Democrats were absent.
The senators’ concerns stem from the administration’s immigration enforcement policies and the removal of Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., from a DHS press conference. Slotkin, while not explicitly retracting her vote, criticized Noem’s perceived lack of control over policy, describing her as a “bystander.”
Peters, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, acknowledged his disagreement with Noem’s actions but emphasized the need for a working relationship. Fetterman declined to comment on his vote or Noem’s performance. Spokespersons for Hassan and Shaheen conveyed their concerns regarding DHS’s recent actions and Noem’s leadership, respectively.
Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., offered a notably harsh assessment of Noem’s tenure as DHS secretary, calling her role “embarrassing” and accusing her of prioritizing “cosplay” over protecting homeland security.
“It’s really hard to imagine someone doing a worse job as the secretary of Homeland Security,” Schiff said.
What’s next
The Senate Homeland Security Committee is expected to increase its oversight of the Department of Homeland security and Secretary Noem’s role in shaping immigration policy and ensuring national security.