DHS reverses Noem's policy that required the secretary to approve contracts over $100,000

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the repeal of a policy implemented by Kristi Noem that required the secretary to approve contracts and grants exceeding $100,000. It is one of the first actions of the new DHS secretary, Markwayne Mullin, who took office on March 24.

Mullin's decision is aimed at streamlining processes and allocations, not only for DHS but also for dependent agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Noem had imposed the measure when she took office in January 2025, requiring her to approve thousands of contracts personally. Under the new directive, Secretary Mullin will only be required to review contracts exceeding $25 million.

In a statement issued to CBS News, DHS noted that Secretary Mullin "re-evaluated the contract processes to make sure DHS is serving the American taxpayer efficiently."

"Today, the Secretary rescinded the $100,000 contract review memo. This will streamline the contract process and empower components to carry out their mission to protect the homeland and make America safe again," he added.

During his confirmation hearing, Mullin had anticipated the possibility of reversing Noem's policy, emphasizing that the DHS secretary should not be a "micromanager." "We will maintain very clear communication with the heads of each of our agencies regarding the authority that you gave them within their respective parameters, and we will discuss it," the then-senator from Oklahoma noted, stressing his intention to be "responsible" with taxpayer dollars.

Mullin represented Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District for ten years in the House of Representatives. He was elected to the Senate in 2022 in a special election to complete the term of Jim Inhofe, who resigned. He had already announced his candidacy to seek a full term in 2026, but Donald Trump's decision changed his plans. His replacement is Alan Armstrong, a local businessman who will not be able to run in the November election. Both Trump and Mullin have already endorsed Congressman Kevin Hern.

As for Noem, she was appointed special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, which will be tied to a new White House initiative.