The White House firmly denied reports on Monday claiming that border czar Tom Homan accepted $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents during an alleged bribery sting operation last year. During a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, "Mr. Homan never took the $50,000 that you're referring to, so you should get your facts straight." This strong denial underscores the administration's commitment to clearing Homan's name amidst growing controversies.
Leavitt's comments came in response to reports from major news outlets, including MSNBC and The New York Times, which alleged that Homan accepted cash after indicating he would assist undercover agents in securing government contracts if then-candidate Donald Trump were to win a second term as president. Leavitt described the situation as yet another instance of the “weaponization of the Biden Department of Justice,” further accusing the FBI of attempting to entrap one of the president's top allies.
According to the reports, the FBI and Justice Department were allegedly monitoring Homan to determine if he would follow through on his promises. The investigation was reportedly put on hold once Trump assumed office and was ultimately closed a few weeks ago after FBI Director Kash Patel conducted a review of the matter. Sources indicated that Justice Department officials expressed doubts about the ability to convince a jury that Homan accepted the money in exchange for specific actions.
MSNBC reported that Homan allegedly accepted the cash on September 20, 2024, at a designated meeting spot in Texas. This meeting and the cash exchange were reportedly recorded on audiotape, adding another layer of complexity to the allegations. Despite this, the White House, along with the Justice Department and FBI, quickly dismissed the reports as politically motivated, emphasizing the need for factual accuracy.
Reiterating the administration's stance, Leavitt stated, "The White House and the president stand by Tom Homan 100%, because he did absolutely nothing wrong." This unwavering support from the White House signifies their commitment to defending Homan against what they characterize as unfounded accusations. As the situation continues to unfold, the implications of these allegations remain to be seen, particularly regarding the ongoing discussions surrounding the integrity of governmental institutions.
