Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem Threatens Polygraph Tests to Catch Leakers

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Alexis N. Crockett
February 19, 2025
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7 minutes read

(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has reportedly threatened to subject agency employees to polygraph tests as part of an effort to crack down on leaks. Noem warned that the tests would help her team identify and root out individuals who have leaked immigration enforcement plans, which she claimed had “deleterious effects,” Bloomberg Government reported Tuesday evening.

According to the report, Noem has ordered that all agency-administered polygraph tests include questions about unauthorized communications with reporters and nonprofit organizations. The report cited sources who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

News of the directive sparked swift backlash and widespread mockery on social media. “How Stasi of her,” quipped Rick Wilson, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, a group of anti-Trump Republicans.

How Stasi of her.https://t.co/jv7x2BAPLB
— Rick Wilson (@TheRickWilson) February 19, 2025

The Stasi, or the Ministry for State Security, was East Germany’s secret police force from 1950 to 1990, infamous for its surveillance and suppression tactics. National security attorney Mark S. Zaid weighed in on X, writing, “It starts! Anyone from @DHSgov who wants help with their polygraph examinations, just reach out.

It starts! Anyone from @DHSgov who wants help with their polygraph examinations, just reach out. I have 25+ years experience representing both polygraphers & polygraphees.

And if you want to be a #whistleblower, we're here for you too! @wbaidlaw https://t.co/DmID3Nyljk
— Mark S. Zaid (@MarkSZaidEsq) February 19, 2025

I have 25+ years of experience representing both polygraphers & polygraphers. And if you want to be a #whistleblower, we’re here for you too!” Alex Howard, a former DHS spokesperson, also mocked the situation: “Things are going so well for Kristi Noem at DHS that her memo going after leakers with a polygraph has leaked.”

Things are going so well for Kristi Noem at DHS that her memo going after leakers with a polygraph has leaked https://t.co/5wcfesk5eE
— alex (@ajhoward121) February 18, 2025

The controversy adds to growing concerns about the Department of Homeland Security’s handling of internal security and information control under Noem’s leadership.