The Washington Times recently published an opinion piece by U.S. Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar, titled "How Kristi Noem’s leadership saved America: Righting the fiscal ship after Biden." In the op-ed, Edgar describes how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Secretary Kristi Noem and the Trump administration has focused on reducing wasteful spending and increasing accountability for taxpayer funds.
Edgar criticizes the previous administration, stating that during President Joe Biden’s term, DHS funds were used for what he describes as unnecessary or ideologically driven projects that did not contribute to national security. He claims, "Did you know the Biden administration misspent at least $1 trillion on waste, fraud and abuse across the board? During that time, taxpayer dollars at the Department of Homeland Security were used to fund the invasion of our country, spent on frivolous contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars that did nothing to keep America safe."
He highlights specific actions taken by Secretary Noem upon taking office. According to Edgar, when Noem learned that $59 million was about to be used by FEMA for luxury hotels for illegal immigrants in New York City, she intervened to stop the expenditure and dismissed those responsible. Edgar also points out changes made to the CBP One app—originally designed to expedite entry into the U.S.—which he says was re-engineered for self-deportation purposes.
Edgar states that under their leadership, DHS has saved taxpayers more than $13 billion so far. He notes that this shift in approach is part of a broader plan under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The act has allocated over $191 billion to DHS with specific funding priorities: "$46 billion will be used to finish the wall so that our secured border can stay sealed and build upon four straight months of zero illegal alien releases into the country. At the same time, we are expediting hiring efforts to the tune of $8 billion for 10,000 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and employees. We have already received more than 200,000 applications for those jobs, which will enable us to achieve our goal of getting the worst of the worst out of our communities and the country."
Additional investments include $25 billion directed toward new aircraft, ships, and infrastructure for the Coast Guard.
Edgar concludes by emphasizing a commitment to financial stewardship: "Under President Trump’s and Secretary Noem’s leadership, we have taken immediate action to address misuse of funds, established controls and ensured accountability. We are introducing innovative solutions to some of America’s most challenging national security issues. As fiscal stewards of your resources, we are committed to delivering for the American people."
