DHS Chief Allegedly Hid Report Saying Shoes-On Screenings Create Security Gap

The Department of Homeland Security secretary, Kristi Noem, has been accused of suppressing an internal inspector general report that found her policy allowing passengers to keep shoes on during airport screening could leave a substantial security gap, according to a letter obtained by The Wall Street Journal.

What the Inspector General Found

The inspector general's review reportedly concluded that most Transportation Security Administration (TSA) full-body scanners cannot reliably image footwear, meaning many shoes would not be effectively screened. Sources told the Journal that the findings were reclassified by Noem's office at a higher sensitivity level, which prevented the conclusions from being publicly disclosed or widely acted on.

Timeline And Response

Noem announced the policy change on July 8, saying DHS was "fully confident" that existing technology and multiple screening layers would permit travelers to keep their shoes on. The inspector general says DHS had been aware of the scanner limitations since Aug. 26 — roughly a month after the announcement — and that DHS and TSA were required by statute to respond by Jan. 30 but had not done so.

Kristi Noem's reversal of the shoes-off policy was one of her most popular changes to date. / Kent Nishimura / Getty Images

Noem (July 8): "We are excited with the fact that we have the technology now that we have the multi layers of screening in place... they give us the ability to allow our travelers to keep their shoes on."

The Wall Street Journal reported the inspector general sent a letter to congressional committees outlining these concerns. A DHS spokesperson has reportedly denied that Noem ignored the findings. The Daily Beast and other outlets sought comment from DHS and TSA.

Context And Controversies

The shoes-off rule was implemented nearly 20 years ago after Richard Reid — the so-called "shoe bomber" — attempted to detonate explosives concealed in his shoes on a flight from Paris to Miami. Noem's reversal of that policy has been described as politically popular, but sources cited in the Journal suggested it may reflect a focus on public image as much as operational management.

Noem — who critics have nicknamed "ICE Barbie" for her penchant for wearing uniforms and embracing a public-facing persona — has also drawn scrutiny over aviation spending. Reports say she proposed using deportation funds to purchase a $70 million Boeing 737 the department already operates; the plane is described as outfitted with a queen-size bed, a kitchen, a bar and multiple flat-screen televisions. The aircraft is reported to have been used to transport Noem and political operative Corey Lewandowski on official travel, despite DHS statements that the plane's intended purpose would be for deportation operations.

The New Yorker describes how Kristi Noem's

If approved, the Boeing 737 would join DHS's existing fleet of high-end aircraft. Last October, the department finalized the purchase of two Gulfstream G700s for about $172 million, a deal that prompted questions from Democratic lawmakers.

Political Fallout

Noem's controversies come as Congress remains at an impasse over DHS funding, contributing to a partial government shutdown. Democratic lawmakers have renewed calls for sweeping reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and have cited the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in encounters with federal agents as part of broader concerns about agency oversight; some members of Congress have called for Noem to resign.

Note: Many of the central claims in this story are reported as allegations and are attributed to the inspector general letter or to unnamed sources cited by The Wall Street Journal. DHS has denied that Noem ignored the inspector general's findings.