Noem’s Leadership Poses Threat to Democracy, Fails Communities Harmed by Disasters. She Must Go.

WASHINGTON-The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is joining calls for the removal of Kristi Noem as secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). UCS previously called for a change in leadership at DHS following the disastrous handling of numerous extreme weather and climate-related disasters by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA), which falls under DHS purview. This has included delaying or cancelling grants intended for communities to prepare for and respond to disasters. UCS has also condemned ongoing DHS policies and actions, carried out by U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, that are putting people's lives in danger. The detainment, abuse and killing of U.S. citizens and immigrants under the watch of DHS officials across the country is further evidence Secretary Noem must go. Despite widespread disapproval of Secretary Noem's job performance, President Donald Trump has signaled he plans to keep her in her current post.

Below is a statement by Dr. Jennifer Jones, the director of the Center for Science and Democracy at UCS.

"Rather than protecting our communities, DHS under Secretary Noem is being used to terrorize them. Democracy cannot stand on a foundation of disinformation. We should expect trusted protocols for evidence-based, transparent, and credible investigations into the actions of ICE and Border Patrol agents. Agency leaders like Secretary Noem are routinely dismissing verified information, which deepens politics divisions and undermines the rule of law. History shows that authoritarianism takes root when those in power cling to their false narratives over truth and treat accountability as a threat rather than a responsibility, eroding public trust and endangering lives."

Below is a statement by Shana Udvardy, a senior climate resilience policy analyst at UCS.

"Secretary Noem has seriously damaged FEMA's ability to help people prepare for and cope with disasters. She has overseen significant staff purges, with more to come, created a hostile work environment, and delayed billions of dollars in badly needed disaster aid to states. Noem's removal may not stop President Trump's plans to further dismantle FEMA and politicize disaster aid, so congressional oversight is essential to ensure that the agency delivers on its vital role coordinating disaster preparedness, response, and recovery to better protect people. Congress should also re-establish FEMA as a cabinet-level agency unencumbered by DHS. FEMA's role is becoming more crucial as climate change magnifies extreme weather events including floods, storms, and wildfires that communities are reeling from. FEMA needs to be fully staffed and funded for the benefit of people who end up in harm's way."

Please contact UCS Media Director Ashley Siefert Nunes to speak with Dr. Jones, Udvardy or another UCS expert.

Additional UCS Resources:

• Statement by UCS President and CEO Dr. Gretchen Goldman following the killing of Alex Pretti.
• Blog post by Dr. Jones, "Scientists Must Act: Five Ways You Can Stand Up to Authoritarianism Today."
• Blog post by Udvardy, "Secretary Noem's FEMA Review Council Report Likely to Continue President Trump's Heartless Policies."