Fact Check: United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced a proposed budget increase for the Department of Homeland Security to $175 billion for fiscal year 2026, which is a $44 billion increase from the previous year.

Fact Check: "United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced a proposed budget increase for the Department of Homeland Security to $175 billion for fiscal year 2026, which is a $44 billion increase from the previous year."

What We Know

The claim states that Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced a proposed budget increase for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to $175 billion for fiscal year 2026, which is a $44 billion increase from the previous year. This information is corroborated by multiple sources. For instance, during a congressional hearing, Noem defended the proposed budget of approximately $175 billion, which indeed represents a $44 billion increase over the previous year's budget for DHS (source-1, source-5).

The proposed budget aims to enhance funding for various initiatives, including a significant increase in border enforcement spending and cuts to disaster aid programs (source-1, source-6).

Analysis

While the claim accurately reflects the proposed budget figures, it is essential to note that the announcement itself was made in the context of a broader budget request by the Trump administration, which is currently under consideration in Congress (source-2, source-3). The proposed budget has faced bipartisan criticism, particularly regarding cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the rationale behind increasing border enforcement funding despite reported declines in illegal crossings (source-1, source-5).

The sources used in this analysis are credible, including congressional testimonies and reputable news outlets. However, the framing of the budget increase as a straightforward announcement may oversimplify the complexities and controversies surrounding the budget proposal, which includes significant cuts to other essential programs (source-1, source-5).

Conclusion

The claim that Secretary Kristi Noem announced a proposed budget increase for the DHS to $175 billion for fiscal year 2026, which is a $44 billion increase from the previous year, is True. However, it is crucial to recognize that this budget proposal is part of a contentious discussion in Congress, with significant implications for various programs, particularly FEMA. The context of the announcement and the surrounding criticisms highlight the complexities involved in the budgetary process.

Sources

1. Lawmakers challenge Homeland Security Secretary Noem over budget ...
2. Testimony of KRISTI NOEM UNITED STATES SENATE "A Review of the ...
3. Testimony-Noem-2025-05-20
4. A Review of the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for ...
5. Noem faces criticism over proposed FEMA cuts during congressional hearing
6. Noem faces criticism over proposed FEMA cuts during ...
7. FY2026 Budget for U.S. Department of Homeland Security
8. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem Grilled on $175 Billion 2026 Budget, FEMA ...