Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
A Justice Department investigation into Tom Homan, who now serves as President Trump’s border czar, was closed after he was recorded last year by undercover FBI agents accepting $50,000 in cash, The New York Times reported Saturday. The payment, which the report indicates occurred in September 2024, arose from a probe that began investigating Homan for potential bribery and other crimes after he allegedly agreed to help the agents, posing as businessmen, secure government contracts in a potential second Trump administration.
Investigation Details
The probe initially did not target Homan, but rather began investigating him after the original subject of the case suggested that a payment to Homan could facilitate federal border security contracts, according to The Times. Undercover agents recorded Homan in September 2024, with the cash reportedly delivered in a bag from the fast-casual chain Cava.
On the recording of the meeting, Homan appeared to agree to assist the undercover agents in securing contracts should Donald Trump win reelection. A person familiar with the matter also confirmed to CNN that Homan accepted a cash payment during the sting operation.
DOJ’s Decision to Close the Case
The Justice Department closed the investigation after President Trump began his second term this year. Prosecutors reportedly harbored doubts about their ability to prove Homan, who served as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Trump’s first term, had agreed to a specific act in exchange for the cash.
Another factor in closing the case was that Homan was not holding a government position at the time of the alleged incident. FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the matter, which originated under the Biden administration, underwent a full review by FBI and DOJ officials.
Official Statements
Patel and Blanche issued a joint statement Saturday asserting that officials “found no credible evidence of any criminal wrongdoing.” They added, “The Department’s resources must remain focused on real threats to the American people, not baseless investigations.”
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson characterized the investigation as “blatantly political.” She defended Homan as “a career law enforcement officer and lifelong public servant,” while also criticizing the Biden Department of Justice.
Jackson further stated that the probe, which found no evidence of illegal activity, exemplified how the Biden DOJ allegedly targeted President Trump’s allies. She contrasted this with investigating “real criminals and the millions of illegal aliens who flooded our country.”
Key Takeaways
The closure of the probe into Tom Homan highlights differing perspectives on the Justice Department’s investigative priorities and the conduct of political allies. While officials cited a lack of criminal wrongdoing and Homan’s non-government status at the time, critics frame the initial investigation as politically motivated.
