‘Do You Want Me to Answer Your Questions or Not?’

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem engaged in a tense exchange Thursday with Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing, as the Michigan Democrat repeatedly interrupted her testimony and accused the department of defying federal court orders, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The confrontation unfolded during Thanedar’s allotted questioning time, when he pressed Noem over immigration enforcement, court compliance, and allegations involving deportation operations.

IT’S OFFICIAL: Kristi Noem BROKE Rep. Shri Thanedar (D), who should be expelled from Congress and deported back to his country.

This foreigner thinks he can come into our country and dismantle our government and immigration laws.

GTFO, SHRI https://t.co/koEq7R3K6m pic.twitter.com/JH4xTevfho

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 11, 2025

The exchange was recorded by multiple outlets and circulated widely after the hearing.

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Thanedar opened his questioning by referencing previous testimony and accused Noem of misleading Congress and the public.

“I know the American people have been demanding answers from this administration on their unlawful actions, so I hope we are able to get some useful answers from our witnesses today,” Thanedar said.

“Secretary Noem, this past May, I asked you during a congressional hearing if it was the policy of DHS to follow orders issued by federal courts. You said on the record, and I’m quoting here, We are following all federal orders, end of my quote— end of your quote.”

Thanedar then accused Noem of lying. “Secretary, Noem, you lied to me under oath that day, you lied to the American people, and you have betrayed the trust placed upon you in your role as Secretary of Homeland Security,” he said.

As Noem attempted to respond, Thanedar repeatedly interrupted, shouting “Not true.”

When she continued, Noem stated, “Congressman, the Department of Homeland Security and this administration complies with all federal court orders. We always have, and we always will.”

She added that DHS continues to appeal adverse rulings and pointed to the department’s litigation record.

“At the highest court, at the Supreme Court, the Department of Homeland Security in our litigation, has an over 90% success rate in winning at the highest court in our battle against activist judges across this country,” Noem said.

Thanedar attempted to interrupt again, prompting Noem to ask directly, “Do you want me to answer your questions or not?”

The exchange continued as Thanedar accused DHS of arresting American citizens during immigration operations. Noem responded by explaining enforcement procedures.

“When we are doing our targeted enforcement operations against criminal illegal aliens, individuals that are in that area may be detained until we verify who they are, and then they are released,” she said. “We have never once deported an American citizen. We have not held them and charged them—”

Thanedar again interrupted, shouting, “Not true! Not true!”

As questioning continued, Thanedar accused Noem of ignoring federal court orders. “I’m sick of your lies, and the American people demand the truth,” he said.

Noem responded, “Just because you keep saying it doesn’t make it true.”

When Thanedar asked whether she would resign if not fired, Noem closed the exchange with a pointed response. “Sir, I will consider your asking me to resign as an endorsement of my work. Thank you very much,” she said.

Rep. Shri Thanedar embarrasses himself by DEMANDING Sec. Kristi Noem resign.

She fires back immediately: “I will consider your asking me to resign as an endorsement of my work.”

Absolute mic drop. pic.twitter.com/FRI0CsrAZk

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) December 11, 2025

The hearing concluded shortly after the exchange, with Thanedar ending his questioning. The Department of Homeland Security has repeatedly stated it complies with court orders while continuing to pursue appeals where appropriate.

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