Democrats Vow to Investigate “Web of Corruption” at DHS

Democrats held an unofficial hearing Wednesday to denounce what they called corruption at the Department of Homeland Security under President Trump, citing a $915 million contract awarded to Salus Worldwide Solutions to manage deportation flights despite the company's limited federal contracting experience. The company is owned by William Walters, who donated $10,000 to a political action committee backing former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in October 2024, and a DHS contracting officer acknowledged the situation created "an appearance of favoritism." Democrats also pointed to a $220 million ad campaign Noem launched, which cost $20,000 to rent a horse for a promotional spot, and alleged that Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski pressured companies seeking DHS contracts to pay him or hire his associates. The DHS inspector general has launched an investigation into the ad campaign, and Democratic senators including Adam Schiff asked federal contractors to preserve communications with Lewandowski. Democrats vowed to launch aggressive oversight of DHS contracting and federal contractors if they regain control of Congress, with Rep. Bennie Thompson pledging the committee would "hold this administration accountable for this egregious waste of taxpayers' money."