Hakeem Jeffries Slams ‘Completely Incompetent’ Kristi Noem as a ‘Shame’ Following Trump Dismissal

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) did not hold back in his criticism of Kristi Noem, the former Homeland Security Secretary, after President Donald Trump dismissed her last week. This decision came on the heels of growing dissatisfaction regarding her management of the department, particularly concerning the administration's contentious immigration policies.

During an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Jeffries responded to moderator Kristen Welker's inquiry about whether Noem's ousting might prompt Democrats to reconsider funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has faced a partial shutdown since last month.

While discussions continue post-Noem's firing, optimism exists that new leadership could pave the way for negotiations. However, both Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have made it clear that they will uphold a united front against funding for the agency until significant reforms, especially regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are implemented.

“We want ICE to operate like any other law enforcement agency in the nation, rather than using taxpayer funds to harm or even kill American citizens and unjustly target law-abiding immigrant families,” Jeffries stated emphatically on Sunday.

Welker pressed him further, asking if Noem's replacement was sufficient for him to support reinstating funding to DHS. Jeffries was unequivocal: “No, it’s certainly not. We need a policy overhaul, not just a personnel change.” He labeled Noem as “a disgrace” and “totally unqualified.”

He went on to accuse Noem of being a “pathological liar,” criticizing her response to the tragic deaths of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renée Good at the hands of federal officers.

“She unjustly labeled American citizens as domestic terrorists without any basis. What we require are bold, transformative changes to rein in ICE,” Jeffries asserted. “That’s what the American public demands, and that’s our mission.”

Following Noem's termination, she became the first Cabinet secretary to exit during Trump's second term. The president announced plans to nominate first-term Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as her successor.

Trump also indicated that Noem would take on a new role as “special envoy for the Shield of the Americas,” tasked with leading “our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere.”

For more insights from Jeffries’ interview on “Meet the Press,” see below.