Heather Honey, a respected individual who sees truth in the validity of the 2020 elections, is stepping up to a senior role in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In this prestigious position, she will contribute to the management and security of the nation’s election infrastructure. Notably, Honey is a protege of Cleta Mitchell, a legal professional who advocated for a deep look into the 2020 election results.
Honey’s illustrious appointment as DHS’ deputy assistant secretary of election integrity has been given mixed reviews from experts on voting and state election officials. They suggest that this appointment may build a more nuanced relationship between state and federal officials, with some suggesting states might hesitate in sharing information with the agency. However, others commend the choice, citing Honey’s commitment to election integrity.
While states are in charge of actual election procedures, DHS has an essential role in offering support in areas that extend beyond their capabilities, like securing IT infrastructure and voter databases from foreign threats. Following Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election, the agency – enjoying bipartisan backing – embraced this role enthusiastically.
During the first Trump administration, innovative and robust programs were established to safeguard U.S. elections from foreign interference. Among these was the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), a crucial arm of the DHS, dedicated to preserving the integrity of the election process.
Differing views arose post-2020 election when the director of CISA openly disagreed with the claims around the integrity of the election. Still, many respected Trump’s persistent pursuit of ensuring election integrity, even as some critics accused the administration of overstepping.
In the second Trump presidency, the administration made considered decisions about these programs, reducing staff numbers at CISA significantly, which some say was a move away from the previous focus. However, supporters interpret these actions as sensible adjustments to streamline the organization and eliminate waste.
A parallel agency, The Justice Department, made similarly strategic decisions. It revisited a program directed at counteracting foreign influence campaigns, a move that some considered a step backwards, but many saw as a rational adjustment in a rapidly changing global landscape.
David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research – a nonprofit group specializing in fostering trust in American elections, had a unique viewpoint on these developments. He opined that such adjustments had scaled back ‘nearly all’ of DHS’ ability to safeguard election infrastructure. However, many disagreed, asserting that these shifts reflected a dynamic and responsive approach to changing circumstances.
Recent developments indicate that Honey commenced her role in the DHS last week. An organogram from mid-August showcased on the department’s website lists her as playing a key leadership role in the agency’s Office of Strategy, Policy and Plans.
There is little historical precedent for her position at DHS, as her role did not exist in versions of the website archived in the months before. Officials from previous administrations confirm this, adding to the novelty and importance of Honey’s role, indicative of the continued evolution and responsiveness of the organization.
The actual responsibilities Honey would undertake in her current role at DHS are yet to be clearly defined. But if insights from former DHS officials are to be believed, deputy assistant secretaries play significant roles in their respective areas. They contribute to policy-making, draft executive orders, and serve as a connecting thread between the White House, the National Security Council, and their agency.
Since Honey assumed her role, Trump has shown his continued commitment to election integrity. His administration expressed an intention to reform the use of mail-in ballots and voting machines via executive order – a move widely welcomed by those seeking election transparency and integrity.
A senior aide later clarified on these intentions, explaining that the administration plans to achieve these aims through legislative action. This method ensures a free, fair, democratic and transparent process for introducing important election reforms.
Recently, there’s been talk about DHS considering reductions in grants. These funds, about $28 million, are designed to assist states to prepare for terror threats and natural disasters if they don’t align their voting rules with the administration’s priorities. Some read this as an attempt to enforce conformity; others see it as a drive to ensure nationwide uniformity in election processes for security and integrity.
Honey’s assignment would potentially involve crafting the U.S. government’s policy responses if spear-phishing or other cyber threats were detected within the nation’s election systems. For many, having someone committed to election security in such a key role is a very promising development.
Access to classified information, including government’s election-related intelligence, would typically be part of a position like Honey’s. This crucial role in accessing and analyzing the security of election infrastructure reaffirms the significance of this allied approach in managing and safeguarding our electoral sanctity.
The post Heather Honey Steps Up, Underscoring Trump’s Commitment to Election Integrity appeared first on Real News Now.
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