DHS Staff Used Spy-Blocking Tech to Hide From Noem and Lewandowski

Employees took extreme measures to avoid alleged surveillance by the former Homeland Security chief and her top adviser.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:39pm

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A fractured, abstract painting in shades of gray, blue, and red, depicting a government building or office space in a state of disarray, conveying a sense of instability and distrust.The alleged spying and hostile environment within the DHS under Noem's leadership has eroded trust in the agency.Washington Today

According to reports, staffers at the Department of Homeland Security used sound machines and Faraday bags to block recordings and shield their phones from alleged surveillance by former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her chief adviser Corey Lewandowski. Employees described the environment under Noem's leadership as the 'most toxic' they had ever seen, with concerns of 'distrust, abuse, and corruption'.

Why it matters

The allegations of spying and hostility within the DHS under Noem's tenure raise serious concerns about the abuse of power and the erosion of trust within a critical government agency. This story highlights the need for strong oversight and accountability measures to prevent such toxic environments from developing in the future.

The details

According to reports, top ICE staffers used sound machines to block recordings because they worried they were under surveillance by Noem and Lewandowski. Former CBP commissioner Rodney Scott was so concerned about being eavesdropped on that he carried his phone in a Faraday bag, a device made of aluminum or silver to block electromagnetic signals. Scott claimed Lewandowski was 'trying to find anything that could persuade Trump to fire Scott' since Noem lacked the authority to do so herself.

  • The alleged spying and hostile environment occurred during Kristi Noem's tenure as Homeland Security Secretary.
  • The Washington Examiner investigation revealing the allegations was published last week.

The players

Kristi Noem

Former Homeland Security Secretary whose leadership was described as creating a 'toxic' environment of 'distrust, abuse, and corruption' within the DHS.

Corey Lewandowski

Chief adviser to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and long-rumored lover, who was allegedly involved in spying efforts against DHS staff.

Rodney Scott

Former Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who was concerned that Lewandowski was 'spying on him through his work phone and had bugged his office'.

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What they’re saying

“Corey was trying to find anything that could persuade Trump to fire Scott, since Noem lacked the authority to do so herself.”

— Unnamed source

What’s next

The allegations of spying and hostility within the DHS under Noem's leadership are likely to face further investigation and scrutiny, with calls for greater transparency and accountability within the agency.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangers of unchecked power and the erosion of trust within government institutions. It underscores the critical need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse and ensure that public servants remain accountable to the people they serve.