Democrats Probing CEO Linked To Companies Awarded Hundreds of Millions During Noem DHS Tenure: Report

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks to press Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, in Scottsdale. (AP Photo/Caitlin O’Hara)

Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, is demanding answers from a man linked to multiple companies awarded hundreds of millions in government contracts while Kristi Noem led the Department of Homeland Security, according to a new report.

NOTUS was first on Thursday to report on a letter from Garcia to William Walters, a former State Department employee linked to five companies awarded DHS contracts. Garcia accused Noem and advisor Corey Lewandowski of awarding government contracts “under opaque contracting conditions.”

Since Noem stepped aside as head of DHS, Markwayne Mullin has been confirmed as the new secretary. Noem currently serves as Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas.

“Former Secretary Noem and Mr. Lewandowski also awarded lucrative DHS contracts under opaque contracting conditions to other companies for which you are listed as an executive officer, or which share the same addresses as companies founded by you and your associates,” the letter reads.

The contracts were all awarded in 2025 to companies that had never received immigration-related contracts. Valkyrie Aviation Holdings Group leased a luxury jet to Noem while other contracts were more focused on immigration and deportation-related activities.

According to NOTUS, the letter hones in on Salus Worldwide Solutions, of which Walters is the CEO. Garcia claimed Salus was “allegedly directing subcontractors to funnel taxpayer dollars to consultants affiliated with Mr. Lewandowski.”

Garcia is requesting documents related to the work of Salus and subcontracts related to the company by April 16 from Walters.

“Mr. Lewandowski has never done business with or been compensated by the companies referred in any way, shape or form,” Lewandowski’s office said in a statement.

Noem has found her name grabbing headlines again thanks to a Daily Mail expose on an alleged double life being led by her husband, Bryon Noem, as a crossdresser, which reportedly led to blackmail concerns among officials.

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