Instant Insight

30-Second Take

• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is testifying before Congress on the White House’s 2026 budget request, focusing on border security and immigration policies.
• The budget includes a 65% increase in funding for border security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• Noem faces scrutiny over disaster aid funding and the administration’s plans to reform FEMA.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is testifying before Congress to discuss the White House’s 2026 budget request. The budget proposal emphasizes significant increases in border security funding and immigration enforcement, aligning with President Trump’s priorities.

Core Players

• Kristi Noem – Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Donald Trump – President of the United States
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• Congressional Appropriations and Oversight Committees

Key Numbers

• 65% – Increase in funding for border security and ICE in the proposed budget
• $175 billion – Requested for DHS as part of the reconciliation bill
• $33 million – Saved by eliminating an ineffective IT program at USCG
• $1 billion – Redirected from the BRIC FEMA grant program to the Disaster Relief Fund

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The Trump administration’s 2026 budget request has sparked intense debate, particularly around immigration and border security. Secretary Noem’s testimony is crucial as it outlines the administration’s plans to surge resources for these objectives.

“We will not stop until there are none left,” Noem stated, referring to the deportation of illegal aliens who threaten national security.

Inside Forces

Noem has been proactive in her first 100 days, implementing several key changes. These include stopping the construction of a new Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency headquarters, saving over half a billion dollars, and ending the BRIC FEMA grant program, which redirected nearly a billion dollars to the Disaster Relief Fund.

She also ended collective bargaining for TSA Transportation Security Officers to enhance the agency’s mission to safeguard transportation systems.

Power Dynamics

The relationship between the Trump administration and Congress is tense, especially regarding immigration policies. Noem’s testimony will face scrutiny from lawmakers, particularly Democrats, who are concerned about the impact of these policies on communities and the funding for disaster aid.

Noem plans to argue that FEMA needs to be “reformed and reimagined,” potentially ending its role in long-term rebuilding efforts and disaster preparation.

Outside Impact

The proposed budget and Noem’s policies have broader implications. The increase in border security funding and the freeze on funding to non-governmental organizations facilitating illegal immigration are expected to impact immigrant communities significantly.

Additionally, the redirection of funds from ineffective programs to the Disaster Relief Fund could alleviate some of the financial strain on FEMA, which is on track to run out of cash this summer.

Future Forces

The upcoming weeks will see other Cabinet secretaries testifying on their respective budget requests, setting the stage for contentious funding battles. The Trump administration’s push for significant budget increases in specific areas will likely face resistance from Congress.

Noem’s testimony is a precursor to these battles, highlighting the administration’s priorities and the potential for legislative gridlock.

Data Points

• May 6, 2025 – Noem testifies before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security
• First 100 days – Noem’s key actions include saving $33 million by eliminating an ineffective IT program and stopping the construction of a new CISA headquarters
• Summer 2025 – FEMA is projected to run out of cash without additional funding
• FY 2026 – Proposed budget includes over $175 billion for DHS