Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem revealed a serious case of internal espionage within her own department, stating that some employees had installed software on her devices to monitor her and record private meetings. According to her account, the discovery occurred shortly after she took office, when technology experts examined her phone and laptop.
During her remarks, Noem explained that the technology team of entrepreneur Elon Musk played a key role in detecting the spyware. The specialists were able to identify programs installed without authorization that allowed conversations and activities within the department to be monitored. The investigation also revealed that these practices were not limited to a single case, but may have affected other political officials as well.
After the surveillance system was discovered, several employees were subjected to polygraph tests and were later dismissed or removed from the division responsible for electronic device security. Noem stated that this type of espionage had likely been occurring for years within the department, allowing certain officials to monitor political appointees without facing consequences.
The secretary also explained that, because of these incidents, her office must now be regularly inspected to rule out the presence of listening devices. According to her statement, the issue reflects an internal culture in which some employees “had gotten away with it for years,” using their positions to spy on politically appointed officials.
For Noem, the case demonstrates the extent to which certain sectors within the federal bureaucracy may have attempted to obstruct a new administration seeking to reform the government and strengthen national security. Her statements have raised concerns about possible abuses of power within federal agencies and have reignited debate over the need for greater oversight and transparency in government institutions.
