White House Border Czar Unsure About Noem's Claim on DHS Role in 'Electing the Right Leaders'

Homan's response sparks debate over election oversight and integrity.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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White House border czar Tom Homan said he was unsure what South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem meant when she suggested the Department of Homeland Security has a role in "electing the right leaders" as part of its mission to protect election infrastructure. Homan's comments have sparked a debate over the appropriate role of DHS in elections.

Why it matters

Noem's remarks about DHS's involvement in elections have raised concerns among Democrats that the agency could be used to improperly influence the electoral process. This debate touches on broader questions about election integrity, voter fraud, and the appropriate boundaries of federal agencies' involvement in elections.

The details

During a CNN interview, Homan was asked about Noem's recent comments suggesting DHS has the authority to identify election "vulnerabilities" and implement "mitigation measures" to ensure contests are "run correctly." Homan responded, "I don't know. That'd be a question for the secretary." He speculated Noem may have been referring to ensuring only eligible voters cast ballots, but said he had not discussed her statements with DHS leadership. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have criticized Noem's comments, with Schumer calling them a "load of bull" and Jeffries vowing that attempts by extremists to influence elections will not be allowed.

  • On Sunday, during an interview on CNN's "State of the Union," Homan was asked about Noem's recent remarks.

The players

Tom Homan

White House border czar who was unsure about the meaning of Kristi Noem's comments on DHS's role in elections.

Kristi Noem

The governor of South Dakota who suggested DHS has the authority to identify election "vulnerabilities" and implement "mitigation measures" to ensure contests are "run correctly."

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader who sharply criticized Noem's claims about DHS's role in elections.

Hakeem Jeffries

The House Minority Leader who also criticized Noem's comments about ensuring "the right people voting" as an attempt by extremists to influence the election.

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What they’re saying

“So, what does she mean when she says 'electing the right leaders?' That's not really immigration enforcement or DHS responsibility,”

— Jake Tapper, CNN anchor (CNN)

“I don't know. That'd be a question for the secretary. If I had to guess, probably that — you know — only those legally eligible to vote would vote. But I have not talked to the secretary about those statements. That'd be something she'd have to answer.”

— Tom Homan, White House border czar (CNN)

“a load of bull”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader (CNN)

“ensuring 'the right people voting' is an attempt by extremists to influence the election and vowed that such efforts will not be allowed.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader (CNN)

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns around the appropriate role of federal agencies, like DHS, in overseeing and securing elections. It underscores the need for clear boundaries and transparency around election processes to maintain public trust and confidence in the democratic process.