Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has reportedly initiated a campaign to oust Rodney Scott, the Commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), creating significant tension within the Cabinet. This internal conflict centers around differing approaches to achieving President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement goals, particularly the ambitious target of deporting 1 million individuals in the first year of his administration.
According to a report from the Washington Examiner, Noem and her ally, Corey Lewandowski, have engaged in aggressive tactics aimed at undermining Scott’s position. Eight sources familiar with the situation described their methods as ruthless, with some characterizing them as “evil.” The objective appears to be to create a hostile work environment for Scott, compelling him to resign.
Sources indicated that Noem and Lewandowski’s strategy involved targeting Scott’s close associates to disrupt his effectiveness. One insider mentioned that Lewandowski expressed a desire to make life difficult not just for Scott, but for his colleagues and their families as well. This approach has allegedly resulted in distress among senior CBP staff, raising concerns about the morale within the agency.
The friction between Noem and Scott is part of a broader pattern of power struggles within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as officials vie for influence over immigration policy. Multiple reports have noted Noem’s disdain for Trump’s immigration adviser, Tom Homan, which further complicates the dynamics at DHS.
Noem, who leads DHS, lacks the authority to fire Scott; that power rests solely with the President. Responses from the White House have sought to downplay reports of infighting, asserting that the entire immigration team, including Noem and Scott, is aligned with Trump’s agenda. A statement from the White House emphasized that they are working cohesively to implement the President’s vision.
Despite this assertion, sources indicate that Scott views Lewandowski’s role, which extends beyond his designated timeline as a special government employee, as problematic. Scott has reportedly questioned Lewandowski’s contributions and made clear that he believes his own directives are being undermined. This tension has led to claims that Scott feels sidelined, particularly as he challenges the pair’s strategic decisions regarding immigration enforcement.
The conflict has broader implications for DHS, especially as it navigates significant personnel changes. Recently, Madison Sheahan, the Deputy Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), announced plans to leave her position to pursue a congressional campaign in her home state of Ohio. Her departure reflects the ongoing turbulence within the agency, raising questions about leadership stability at a critical time.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Scott highlighted the accomplishments of DHS in enhancing border security, framing the ongoing issues as distractions from their collective mission. “We are operating with the President’s vision and innovative execution – not the old ways,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to fulfilling the administration’s objectives.
As the situation evolves, the dynamics within DHS will likely continue to attract scrutiny, particularly given the high stakes involved in immigration policy under the Trump administration. The conflict between Noem and Scott may serve as a litmus test for the effectiveness of Trump’s leadership team as they strive to meet ambitious policy goals.
