Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is living rent-free in a luxury home on a Washington, D.C. military base — a home meant for the Coast Guard’s top officer — and it’s sparking outrage.
The waterfront property sits at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and is normally reserved for the Coast Guard commandant. But Noem moved in earlier this year, saying she didn’t feel safe in her regular apartment after the Daily Mail published photos of it.
“She is no longer able to safely live in her own apartment,” said DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, claiming Noem was “so horribly doxxed and targeted” that her security was at risk.
Noem, who makes roughly $200,000 a year and is worth around $5 million according to Forbes, is not paying rent for the government-provided home — and critics say that’s a problem.
Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) expressed his outrage, saying: “It’s a real insult to the brave men and women who are protecting our shores that she thinks that house belongs to her instead of to the Coast Guard.”
According to The Washington Post, Noem’s living arrangement has raised alarms among current and former Coast Guard officials, who argue that she’s abusing her authority. “Her decision could set off a chain reaction that could displace other senior members of the service in a situation with limited housing,” the report said.
Cynthia Brown of watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) warned, “What are the optics? And is this taking advantage of your individual position as a government official to benefit unduly?”
The house had been empty since Admiral Linda Lee Fagan was removed by the Trump administration earlier this year. Noem announced in May that Admiral Kevin E. Lunday would be nominated as her replacement — but he hasn’t been confirmed yet. It’s unclear whether Noem will vacate the residence once he is.
Noem has also come under fire for her frequent use of a Coast Guard Gulfstream jet, which she’s entitled to use for secure communications — but must reimburse for personal travel. DHS declined to say whether she’s paid those reimbursements.
This isn’t the first time Noem’s use of government housing has raised eyebrows. As South Dakota governor, she spent $68,000 in public funds to renovate the governor’s mansion, adding items like a sauna and chandelier.
The controversy over her D.C. housing isn’t going away. Critics say it’s about more than optics — it’s about priorities. As Murphy put it, the home “should be awarded to top maritime officials,” not a political appointee using it as a personal safe house.