During her confirmation hearing for Secretary of Homeland Security, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem criticized the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), advocating for a reduced scope and a more agile approach. She argued that the agency’s current focus on combating disinformation, particularly foreign campaigns, deviates from its primary mission of addressing cybersecurity threats. Several Republican senators echoed her sentiments, calling for investigations into CISA’s past efforts.
Noem also faced questions regarding her past decision as governor to reject federal cybersecurity grants, citing concerns over administrative costs. Despite this, she expressed support for leveraging technology and public-private partnerships to strengthen national cybersecurity, while criticizing CISA for insufficient collaboration with intelligence agencies.
Why It Matters: Noem’s criticism of CISA and her focus on restructuring its mission highlight ongoing debates about the agency’s role in managing disinformation and cybersecurity. Her potential leadership at Homeland Security could significantly influence the direction of U.S. cybersecurity policy and its coordination with intelligence efforts.
- Narrowing CISA’s Mission: Noem emphasized that CISA should focus solely on its core role of identifying and mitigating cyber threats to critical infrastructure, rather than addressing disinformation campaigns, which she argued lie outside its remit.
- Criticism of Disinformation Efforts: Republican senators, including Rand Paul, raised concerns about CISA’s work on disinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 election, framing it as an overreach infringing on free speech.
- Rejection of Federal Cybersecurity Grants: As governor, Noem declined federal funds designed to bolster state cybersecurity, citing concerns over administrative costs and government expansion. This decision raised questions about her commitment to cybersecurity.
- Calls for Improved Agency Collaboration: Noem criticized CISA for being isolated from other intelligence agencies like the FBI and CIA, urging greater cooperation to address domestic threats and online extremism.
- Focus on Innovation and Partnerships: Despite her critiques, Noem highlighted the need for innovation, public-private partnerships, and advanced technologies to secure the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Go Deeper -> Kristi Noem Bashes CISA, Says Agency Must Be ‘Smaller, More Nimble’ – The Record