Trump Fires Kristi Noem As Homeland Security Secretary

President Donald Trump removed Kristi Noem from her position as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday, marking the first Cabinet-level departure of his current administration.

Trump announced that Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma will replace her, pending Senate confirmation.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said Mullin would take over the role on March 31, 2026.

At the same time, Trump said Noem would move into a newly created diplomatic role called “Envoy for the Shield of the Americas,” which he described as a position overseeing a new Western Hemisphere security initiative.

Why Trump Removed Noem

According to a senior administration official, the decision followed a series of controversies and leadership problems during Noem’s time leading DHS.

Officials cited several issues:

• Fallout from immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis
• A controversial multi-million-dollar immigration ad campaign
• Allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an aide
• Internal management problems
• Frequent conflicts with leaders of other agencies, including: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The official said these issues created distractions that overshadowed the administration’s immigration policies.

Controversy Over Immigration Operations

Noem’s position had become increasingly unstable after two U.S. citizens were killed by federal agents during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.

The incidents triggered investigations and criticism from lawmakers in both political parties.

During congressional hearings earlier this week, Noem refused to apologize for describing the two victims as “domestic terrorists.” She said investigations into the shootings were still ongoing.

The federal immigration operations also drew criticism for their aggressive tactics, including the deployment of thousands of federal agents and troops.

Dispute Over $200 Million Immigration Ad Campaign

Another major controversy involved a government advertising campaign encouraging undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the United States.

The campaign cost roughly $200 million and prominently featured Noem.

According to AdImpact, a media tracking firm, the Department of Homeland Security has spent nearly $80 million airing the ads since early 2025, not including production costs.

During congressional testimony, Noem told lawmakers that Trump personally approved the campaign.

However, the White House later denied that claim.

A White House official told NBC News: “The president did not sign off on a $220 million ad campaign. Absolutely not.”

Allegations Involving Corey Lewandowski

Another issue that drew scrutiny involved Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump ally who served as an adviser at DHS.

Lewandowski faced congressional questions about whether he had improper authority to approve government grants and contracts.

Lawmakers also questioned Noem about her personal relationship with Lewandowski, who was working closely with her at the department.

Administration officials say Lewandowski is also expected to leave DHS.

Markwayne Mullin Chosen as Replacement

Trump said he plans to nominate Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, to replace Noem.

Mullin told reporters he was “super excited” about the opportunity but admitted the phone call from Trump caught him by surprise.

He said the call came while he was attending a Senate Republican lunch, prompting him to abruptly leave the room.

Mullin is a former mixed-martial-arts fighter and businessman who served 10 years in the House of Representatives before winning a 2022 special election to the Senate.

If confirmed as DHS secretary:

• Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt would appoint a temporary Republican replacement in the Senate.
• The seat would remain open until the 2026 midterm elections.

Noem’s Role in Trump’s Immigration Agenda

During her tenure as Homeland Security Secretary, Noem was one of the most visible figures behind Trump’s policies on:

• Mass deportations
• Stricter immigration enforcement
• Border security measures

She became a central public defender of the administration’s immigration crackdown.

Despite her removal from DHS, Noem thanked Trump for the new diplomatic role and highlighted what she described as “historic accomplishments” during her time leading the department.

First Cabinet Departure of Trump’s Second Term

Noem’s exit makes her the first Cabinet secretary to leave the administration during Trump’s second term.

However, she is not the first high-level official to depart.

Last year, Mike Waltz stepped down from his role as national security adviser after Trump nominated him to become U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.