In a shocking display of constitutional confusion, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has become a viral laughingstock after her recent hearing on disaster response. During a heated exchange, Noem was unable to accurately define “habeas corpus,” the fundamental legal principle that safeguards individuals from unlawful detention. Her blunders have ignited a firestorm of criticism, raising alarms about her qualifications for one of the highest positions in U.S. government.

Noem, who previously touted her commitment to the rule of law, stumbled dramatically when pressed to clarify the requirements for suspending habeas corpus. “It’s a power vested with the executive branch,” she claimed, igniting outrage as experts pointed out that this power rests solely with Congress. Her failure to grasp such a critical aspect of constitutional law has led many to question her fitness for office, with critics labeling her an epitome of ignorance or, worse, a willing participant in undermining democratic norms.

The exchange escalated as Noem was challenged on her understanding of constitutional protections, with one lawmaker pointing out that habeas corpus has only been suspended under extreme circumstances, such as rebellion or invasion, and even then, only with congressional approval. “Do you know which article of the Constitution it’s in?” asked the interrogator. “I do not,” Noem admitted, further solidifying her position as a political liability.

In the midst of rising tensions and widespread condemnation, Noem’s blunders have sparked urgent calls for accountability from both sides of the aisle. Critics argue that her actions exemplify a deeper issue within the Republican Party, where ignorance of the law seems to be tolerated or even celebrated. As this controversy unfolds, the ramifications for Noem’s political career remain uncertain, but one thing is clear: her performance has left a lasting mark on the national discourse surrounding constitutional rights.