GOP Senator Corners Kristi Noem After She Denies Past Statement on ICE Killing: ‘You Said It on the Record’

Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) grilled Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem during a Senate hearing on Thursday about her response to two fatal ICE shootings of Minneapolis residents. The two sparred over whether or not Noem said Alex Pretti and Renee Good were involved in incidents of “domestic terrorism” ahead of ICE agents shooting them.

As Noem dodged answering the question, Kennedy pressed her on whether she had claimed her statements came from top White House aide Stephen Miller, which she denied. Kennedy hit back, noting that those statements were “on the record.”

Kennedy began the exchange by asking, “After the two killings in Minneapolis, and I think there’s a lot of video on them, Madam Secretary. I think people can see the video and draw their own conclusions. Are you and your department conducting an investigation of those?”

Noem replied, “Sir, the investigation is being led by the FBI. HSI was involved, in fact. Are HSI agents on the ground?”

Kennedy cut in, “I’m sorry to cut you off, but I have so little time. I believe at the time you said these were acts of domestic terrorism, is that right?”

Noem replied, “Sir, in answer to questions at the press conference that afternoon, it was that it appeared to be.”

Kennedy added, “You said these appeared to be acts of domestic terrorism.”

Noem responded, “And as I’ve said previously in this hearing, it is that—”

“First, Madam Secretary,” Kennedy continued as they spoke over each other. Kennedy noted it has “been widely reported” she called the protest domestic terrorism and asked again “did you say that?”

“Now, again, those videos are public. People can draw their own conclusions. I think it would be safe to say you got some pushback on that, but that would be fair—get some criticism. I’m not saying the criticism was accurate or inaccurate. I think you just, you did. What got my attention was that you blamed those statements on Mr. Stephen Miller at the White House, did you not?” Kennedy continued.

Noem replied, “No, sir, I did not. And in fact, where you’re seeing that is in a news article with anonymous sources. Anonymous sources say a lot of things, but it is—I’ve never said that at all.”

Kennedy shot back, “Well, here’s what you said on the record. I’m going to read your words: ‘Everything I’ve done, I’ve done at the direction of the President and Stephen.'”

Noem replied, “Sir, where did you see me say that? You read that in a news article with no sources affiliated to it.”

Kennedy noted, “You said it on the record on January 27th, 2026. Did you? Did I read your words accurately?”

Noem replied, “I enjoy working with the President and with Stephen Miller, and that day we were working to get as much information to the American people as possible. That is what we will continue to do. And as that…”

Kennedy replied, “Do you think it was fair to blame Mr. Miller?”

Noem hit back, “Sir, I did not do that. You’re reading from a newspaper article with anonymous sources.”

Kennedy pushed, “Are you denying that you said that?”

Noem added, “Sir, I’m not going to speak to that situation that is relayed on anonymous sources that no one has heard me say.”

Kennedy replied, “This wasn’t anonymous. It was you.”

Noem hit back, “Who reported that to that newspaper?”

Kennedy concluded as he ran out of time, “They’re quoting you on the record saying it’s Stephen’s fault. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

Watch the clip above.

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