COLUMN: The guillotine hangs over Kristi Noem, and Trump wields the knife

Controversial Leadership at the DHS

The Secretary of Homeland Security has faced a barrage of criticism for several months. The issues are numerous: controversial management of the billions of dollars in new funding allocated by Republicans, the excessive influence of her senior advisor Corey Lewandowski, and, above all, her response to the incidents in Minneapolis. Two fatal shootings carried out by ICE agents have particularly highlighted her leadership style. Her defensive reaction—labeling the victims “domestic terrorists” without tangible evidence—has undermined her credibility and fueled calls for her resignation, even within the Republican Party itself. Senator Thom Tillis has openly called for her resignation, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune has refused to confirm his confidence in her.

What shocks me about this situation is the total lack of compassion. Noem does not see human beings in these victims; she sees obstacles to her political agenda. When she labels someone a “domestic terrorist” without a shred of evidence, she is not just lying—she is dehumanizing. She reduces human lives to political concepts, to symbols to be manipulated. It is this coldness that terrifies me. How can anyone be so disconnected from reality, so blind to the suffering of others? Noem may be technically competent, but she sorely lacks the humanity that should be at the heart of any public service. And the worst part is that this inhumanity seems to be a quality sought after by Trump.

A subtle but devastating rebuke

Trump’s decision to appoint Tom Homan, the “border czar,” to oversee operations in Minneapolis is widely interpreted as an implicit rebuke of Noem. In times of crisis, leaders generally avoid changing the chain of command so as not to give the impression that they are losing confidence. Yet Trump chose to bypass Noem and her ally Gregory Bovino, commander of the Border Patrol, by entrusting responsibility to Homan. This choice sends a clear message: the president is dissatisfied with his secretary’s handling of the situation. Although the White House officially maintains its support for Noem, this appointment speaks louder than public statements.

It is in moments like these that the true nature of political relationships is revealed. Trump is not firing Noem because that would generate bad press, but he is publicly humiliating her by stripping her of her responsibilities. It is cowardice coupled with political calculation. He wants to have his cake and eat it too: maintaining the appearance of loyalty while clearly signaling to everyone that Noem is on borrowed time. It is a form of slow psychological torture, intended to break her resistance without having to take responsibility for her dismissal. It’s cruel, it’s manipulative, and it’s typical of this administration, which has turned politics into a sadistic power game.

The Disturbing Influence of a Controversial Advisor

One of the major sources of tension within the DHS concerns the prominent role played by Corey Lewandowski, Kristi Noem’s senior advisor. Although he is officially designated as a “special government employee”—a temporary status—Lewandowski wields disproportionate influence over the department’s decisions. This proximity to power has sparked frustration within the administration, with some officials believing that Noem and Lewandowski prioritize their own interests over the president’s mission. Rumors are even circulating about a campaign led by the duo to oust Rodney Scott, Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection, due to disagreements over the implementation of the immigration agenda.

Lewandowski is that sinister shadow looming over this entire administration. He is the man who has survived so many scandals, who has weathered so many storms without ever going under. How does he do it? Is it his incompetence that protects him, or is it his ability to outsmart others? What deeply disturbs me is this culture of cronyism, of blind loyalty that takes precedence over competence and integrity. Lewandowski isn’t there to serve the country; he’s there to serve Trump and himself. And Noem, by allowing herself to be trapped in this toxic relationship, is compromising not only her own credibility but also that of the institution she is supposed to lead. It’s sad to witness this descent into hell by a female politician who could be so much more.

An Agency Riven by Division

Tensions within the DHS are having very real consequences on the agency’s operations. Sources close to the administration report a deep sense of anger within Customs and Border Protection (CBP), whose staff feel they are being used as scapegoats for ICE’s failures. CBP has significantly expanded its operations to facilitate ICE’s work, but in return, it faces criticism and bears the blame for ICE’s failures. This dynamic has created rifts within the homeland security apparatus itself, potentially compromising the effectiveness of operations and cohesion among the various agencies.

What distresses me is seeing how institutions crucial to the country’s security are being sacrificed on the altar of political egos. Men and women who work hard to protect their fellow citizens find themselves caught up in power struggles that have nothing to do with their mission. CBP, ICE—these names aren’t just bureaucratic acronyms; they represent thousands of dedicated people who deserve better than to be manipulated like pawns in a sordid political game. When trust erodes between agencies, when collaboration becomes suspect, the entire homeland security system is weakened. And for what? To satisfy the egos of a few individuals more concerned with their political survival than with the well-being of the country.

Growing Calls for Accountability

Kristi Noem’s administration is not only drawing criticism from within the executive branch but is also provoking the ire of Congress. Democrats have stepped up their pressure, with the Democratic leadership in the House openly supporting efforts to impeach Noem. Senator Rand Paul has also called a hearing at which three senior immigration officials will testify. More worrisome for the administration, these troubles come just days before a critical budget deadline, with Democrats reluctant to approve funding for the DHS unless changes are made—thereby raising the specter of a government shutdown.

Finally, we’re seeing elected officials wake up. But is it out of conviction or political calculation? The Democrats see a political opportunity—that much is clear. But at least they’re taking action. What strikes me is the Republicans’ passivity. Aside from a few isolated voices like Tillis, most remain silent. Why? Fear of Trump? Political calculations? A wait-and-see attitude? I don’t know which is more troubling: their complicit silence or their lack of backbone. In a healthy democracy, Congress should serve as a check on executive power, not merely rubber-stamp the executive branch. When lawmakers abandon their duty to hold the executive branch accountable, when they let the executive branch run the entire system without accountability, democracy as a whole begins to crumble. And we, the citizens, pay the price for this collective cowardice.

Between Public Loyalty and Crisis Management

Despite the turmoil rocking her department, Kristi Noem continues to enjoy Donald Trump’s public support. As he departed for Iowa, the president stated that Noem “is doing a very good job” and that she would not resign, highlighting her role in closing the border. Later, he described her work at the border as a “tremendous success .” This public defense, which contrasts with the decisions undermining her behind the scenes, illustrates Trump’s dual strategy: maintaining a facade of unity while discreetly orchestrating the marginalization of those who fail to meet his expectations. White House press secretary Abigail Jackson also emphasized the teamwork between Noem, Homan, and Customs leadership.

This double talk is, in a way, Trump’s signature move. He tells you how great you are in public, shakes your hand in front of the cameras, and at the same time works behind the scenes to make your life miserable. It’s hypocrisy in its purest form. Noem must know what’s going on. She must sense that this public praise is meaningless. But she keeps smiling, saying thank you, and playing along. Why? Fear? Ambition? Pride? Probably a mix of all three. It’s tragic to see someone desperately clinging to a position that’s becoming more toxic by the day. She’s losing her soul, her dignity, her integrity—everything—just to hold onto a title that could blow up in her face at any moment. It’s a form of slow-motion political suicide.

What’s Next After the Storm?

Regardless of how this crisis plays out, DHS will face major challenges in the coming months. Tom Homan’s arrival in Minneapolis—as the former director of ICE and a man known for his hands-on approach—will inevitably draw comparisons to Noem’s approach. His initial meetings with Democratic leaders such as Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey stand in contrast to the more confrontational style adopted by Noem. At the same time, relations between the secretary and CBP leadership remain tense, particularly following the controversial decision to favor Gregory Bovino over Rodney Scott, a respected figure within the administration who is personally close to Trump.

I can’t help but think of all that could be accomplished if this energy weren’t wasted on infighting. Imagine a DHS where agencies truly collaborate, where decisions are made in the best interest of the country rather than personal egos. Imagine a Kristi Noem who could have been a strong leader, capable of working with Democrats and Republicans alike, of building bridges rather than walls. But that vision is dead, killed by this toxic culture that values blind loyalty over competence, confrontation over collaboration. We’re all paying the price for this political decay—in weakened homeland security, eroded trust, and an increasingly divided country. And the worst part is that no one seems to have the will or the power to turn things around.

Lessons from a Revealing Crisis

The story of Kristi Noem and the symbolic guillotine that Donald Trump has placed over her head offers us a crucial lesson about the nature of this power. What is at stake at DHS is not merely a cabinet reshuffle; it is the concrete manifestation of a philosophy of government based on fear and humiliation. Trump uses leaks, rumors, and contradictory appointments as instruments of absolute control, turning every member of his cabinet into a trembling servant whose political survival depends entirely on unconditional loyalty. This method, while effective in the short term for maintaining discipline, ultimately destroys the institutions and the individuals who serve them.

I watch all this with a deep sense of revulsion. We are witnessing the gradual erosion of our institutions, the transformation of the civil service into a court of personal tyranny. Noem may be the current victim, but she is just one of many figures who will fall under this political guillotine. What terrifies me is the normalization of this aberration. We are being made to accept that terrorizing one’s subordinates is “strong leadership,” that lying is “strategic communication,” and that public humiliation is “talent management.” No. It’s simply an abuse of power. And every day that we accept this without protest, we become complicit in the destruction of our democracy. There is no glory in survival at this price. There is only rubble.

Signed, Jacques Provost