Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed that her own department employees installed surveillance software on her phone and laptop to monitor her activities and record meetings with other political appointees.
Technology Experts Uncover Surveillance Network
During an appearance on The PBD Podcast with host Patrick Bet-David on Thursday, Noem credited Elon Musk and his technical team with helping identify the spyware on her devices. She disclosed that multiple political appointees within the department had been targeted with similar surveillance tools. The discovery prompted an internal investigation that uncovered additional security breaches throughout the agency.
Performing my role as Secretary of Homeland Security has shown me just how real and dangerous the deep state really is.@elonmusk helped us find that a few DHS staff had installed spying software on the phones and computers of myself and other political hires. We found secret,… pic.twitter.com/ktnM6j7kog
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) February 26, 2026
Noem described finding a previously unknown Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, a secure room used for handling classified material, containing files that department leadership did not know of. These hidden documents were immediately turned over to legal counsel for review. The secretary emphasized that without specialized technology experts examining department equipment, the surveillance would have continued undetected.
Government Technology Security Concerns
The DHS chief acknowledged that federal agencies often lag behind the private sector in cybersecurity capabilities. She stressed the importance of partnering with technology companies and independent experts to protect government systems from internal threats. Noem stated her department brought in outside specialists to conduct comprehensive security audits of laptops and phones used by senior officials throughout the agency.
Deep State Concerns Persist
Noem confirmed her belief that entrenched bureaucrats, whom she described as hostile to American interests, remain embedded within the Department of Homeland Security. The secretary indicated that efforts to identify and address these personnel issues continue as part of broader department reforms. The revelation raises questions about internal security protocols at one of the nation’s largest federal agencies, which oversees border protection, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism operations. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between political appointees and career civil servants within major government departments.