Heather Honey, a prominent election denier and protégé of Cleta Mitchell, has been appointed to a senior role in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security overseeing election infrastructure. Honey previously played a key role in efforts to change Georgia's election rules and promoted election conspiracy theories. Experts and state election officials express concern that her appointment could undermine trust between state and federal governments. They fear this could lead states to withhold crucial information necessary for election security. Experts like Adrian Fontes believe the elevation of such individuals erodes public trust in election integrity. A DHS spokesperson declined to comment on Honey's specific responsibilities or appointment. The Trump administration has previously weakened programs designed to protect elections from foreign interference. This includes cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, states these cuts have dismantled DHS's capacity to protect election infrastructure. Honey's role, though unclear, is expected to involve policy drafting and liaising with other government bodies. Her appointment comes as the administration pursues policies targeting mail-in ballots and voting machines.