DHS Rescinds Noem's Controversial Contract Review Policy

New Secretary Mullin moves to streamline procurement and empower agency components.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:49am

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rescinded a controversial policy implemented by former Secretary Kristi Noem that required her personal review of all contracts over $100,000. Current DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the move will 'streamline the contract process and empower components to carry out their mission to protect the homeland'.

Why it matters

Noem's contract review policy had led to significant delays and bureaucracy at DHS, with billions of dollars in funding held up. The reversal signals a shift in priorities under the new leadership, focused on efficiency and empowering agency operations.

The details

During her tenure, Noem had established the $100,000 contract review policy, which required her personal approval for major DHS expenditures. In his confirmation hearing, Mullin called this 'micromanaging' and pledged to rescind the policy if confirmed as secretary.

  • On Wednesday, April 2, 2026, the DHS spokesperson announced the policy reversal.
  • Last month, during his confirmation hearing, Mullin committed to tossing Noem's review policy if appointed as secretary.

The players

Kristi Noem

The former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who implemented the controversial contract review policy.

Markwayne Mullin

The current Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who has rescinded Noem's contract review policy.

Andy Kim

A Democratic Senator on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee who questioned Mullin about the contract review policy during his confirmation hearing.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen who was fatally shot in Minneapolis, contributing to the controversy surrounding the Department of Homeland Security under Noem's leadership.

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen who was fatally shot in Minneapolis, contributing to the controversy surrounding the Department of Homeland Security under Noem's leadership.

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What they’re saying

“Absolutely. That's called micromanaging, and I don't know if the secretary put that in or someone else did. I'm not a micromanager.”

— Markwayne Mullin, DHS Secretary

What’s next

The reversal of Noem's contract review policy is expected to streamline DHS procurement and operations, though the agency will continue to face scrutiny over the recent high-profile incidents in Minneapolis.

The takeaway

The rescission of Noem's restrictive contract review policy signals a shift in DHS leadership under Secretary Mullin, who is focused on empowering the agency's components and improving efficiency, in contrast with Noem's more hands-on management approach.