ACCESSING CLASSIFIED FILES
Decrypting documents...
Your connection is being monitored
Overview
Second Secretary of Homeland Security (2005-2009) who oversaw the massive expansion of the domestic surveillance and security state after 9/11. As head of DOJ's Criminal Division (2001-2003), authored key legal opinions justifying enhanced interrogation techniques (torture) and warrantless surveillance. After leaving government, founded the Chertoff Group consulting firm that profited enormously from the security state he helped build, including lobbying for body scanner deployment at airports while his firm represented the scanner manufacturer Rapiscan Systems.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Authored legal justifications for enhanced interrogation techniques (torture) as head of DOJ Criminal Division
Oversaw expansion of warrantless surveillance programs under the PATRIOT Act and FISA Amendments
Failed response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 left thousands stranded; disproportionately affected Black residents
Created the controversial REAL ID program imposing federal identification requirements
After leaving office, lobbied for airport body scanners while his firm represented scanner manufacturer Rapiscan Systems
The Chertoff Group profits from the security state Chertoff helped build; represents defense and surveillance contractors
Expanded Secure Communities and 287(g) programs enabling local police to act as immigration enforcement agents
Oversaw construction of border wall and expansion of immigration detention infrastructure
Related Investigations (1)
Criminal Charges & Violations
2 documented violations
18 U.S.C. § 2340A - Torture (legal complicity)As head of DOJ Criminal Division, provided legal opinions that justified CIA enhanced interrogation techniques constituting torture under international law(human-rights)
Conflict of Interest / Revolving Door EthicsAdvocated for airport body scanners as government official then profited from scanner deployment through private consulting firm representing manufacturers(ethics)
Known Associates & Connections
John Yoo
DOJ lawyer who authored the Torture Memos providing legal cover for enhanced interrogation
Michael Brown
FEMA Director fired after catastrophic Hurricane Katrina response under Chertoff's DHS
George W. Bush
President who appointed Chertoff to both DOJ and DHS positions
Sources & Documentation
3 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Senate Intelligence Committee: CIA Torture Report (Chertoff role)(2014)
Washington Post: Chertoff Group Conflicts of Interest(2010)
Government Accountability Project: DHS Revolving Door(2011)
Personal Information
- Born
- 1953-11-28
- Birthplace
- Elizabeth, New Jersey
Education
- •B.A., Harvard University (1975)
- •J.D., Harvard Law School (1978)
Key Timeline
2001-06
Appointed head of DOJ Criminal Division by President Bush; helps craft post-9/11 legal framework
2001-2003
Authors legal opinions on enhanced interrogation and warrantless surveillance programs
2005-02-15
Sworn in as second Secretary of Homeland Security
2005-08
DHS response to Hurricane Katrina widely criticized as catastrophic failure; thousands stranded for days
2005-2009
Expands DHS surveillance capabilities, border enforcement, and immigration detention
2008
Advocates for deployment of full-body scanners at airports before leaving office
2009
Founds The Chertoff Group; immediately begins representing security and defense contractors
2010
Chertoff Group represents Rapiscan Systems as TSA deploys body scanners Chertoff advocated for