By AJ Vicens (Reuters) – Recently, the Department of Homeland Security disclosed that key figures involved in safeguarding elections have been placed on administrative leave as part of an examination of the department’s election security responsibilities. Specifically, individuals focusing on combatting misinformation, disinformation, and foreign interference targeting U.S. elections are among those affected.
According to a statement from agency spokesperson Rhonda Lawson in response to a query from Reuters, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is spearheading an assessment of the department’s execution of its election security duties, particularly in relation to misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. However, Lawson did not provide immediate clarity on how many employees were placed on leave, whether they would be reassigned, or if they were departing the department permanently.
Notably, during her confirmation hearing on January 17, Noem criticized the Biden administration’s approach to homeland security, pointing out shortcomings in the efforts of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within the DHS. She indicated that the agency had veered significantly off its intended mission.
(Reported by AJ Vicens; Edited by Leslie Adler)
