A sudden shake-up hit Washington on Thursday as President Donald Trump removed Kristi Noem from her role leading the Department of Homeland Security, ending a turbulent chapter marked by political battles, congressional scrutiny, and growing controversy.
Noem, a former South Dakota governor and congresswoman, had been serving as DHS secretary during Trump’s second term. The announcement came directly from the president, who revealed that a new nominee will soon take the department’s top post.
Trump Announces New Role For Noem
Trump disclosed the leadership change in a statement on Truth Social, explaining that Noem will move into a different national security position while a new nominee prepares to take over.
“The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland.’”
According to the president, Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin will be nominated to replace her, with the transition expected to take effect March 31.
Noem Responds After Exit
Shortly after the announcement, Noem released her own public message, expressing gratitude to Trump and signaling she plans to stay involved in national security efforts through her new role.
“Secretary [Marco] Rubio and Secretary of War [Pete Hegseth] are incredible leaders and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren.”
She also reflected on what she described as accomplishments during her time leading DHS.
“The western hemisphere is absolutely critical for U.S. security. In this new role, I will be able to build on the partnerships and national security expertise, I forged over the last 13 months as Secretary of Homeland Security. We have made historic accomplishments at the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again: we delivered the MOST secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S., we have located 145,000 children, FEMA delivered disaster relief at a 100% faster rate, we ushered in the golden age of travel, saved the American taxpayer $13 billion and revitalized the U.S. Coast Guard,” she added.
Trump Taps Mullin As Successor
Trump praised Mullin’s record in Congress while announcing his nomination, highlighting both his background and political ties.
“As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities. Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN,” Trump said.
The Oklahoma senator, who previously had a career as an undefeated MMA fighter before entering politics, appeared surprised by the sudden nomination.
Speaking briefly with reporters, Mullin admitted the news caught him off guard.
“I think I need to talk to my wife first,” Mullin said.
Despite the surprise, he expressed enthusiasm about the potential new role and the work ahead.
“I’ve got to be honest with you, I wasn’t expecting the call today, but I am super excited. And I’m more excited about just getting ready to get started,” Mullin said. “There’s a lot of work we can do to get our Homeland Security working, you know, working for the American people.”
Later, he suggested that more conversations with the president still needed to happen before the process moves forward.
“No, the president and I still have to communicate so we’ll talk about it moving forward,” Mullin said. “The president and I have already talked – We have to talk to the president and get on the same page… I’ll talk to you all [later].”
Leadership Change Follows Political Turmoil
Noem’s departure arrives after a week of political tension surrounding her performance in congressional hearings.
Reports indicated the president grew increasingly frustrated with her handling of questions related to a taxpayer-funded advertising contract that lawmakers scrutinized during committee sessions.
According to sources familiar with the situation, multiple issues contributed to the decision.
“It was a combination of her many unfortunate leadership failures. From [Minnesota] to the ad campaign to the allegations of an affair,” a source familiar with the situation told Fox News.
A White House official later confirmed that Trump had not approved the advertisement discussed during the hearings, despite testimony suggesting otherwise.
Heated Congressional Hearing Adds Pressure
The controversy intensified during a House hearing where lawmakers confronted Noem about rumors involving Corey Lewandowski, a longtime political figure connected to Trump’s 2016 campaign.
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove pressed the DHS secretary during questioning.
Kamlager-Dove asked Noem if at any time during her tenure she had “sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski,” before slamming the longtime Trump aide as a “failed campaign manager” and someone lacking military experience.
The questioning continued as Rep. Jared Moskowitz weighed in during the hearing.
“I really think you need to say the word ‘no’ into the record so that you can clear that up,” Moskowitz said.
Noem strongly rejected the accusations and criticized the direction of the hearing.
“The socialist, liberal left: you go off and you attack conservative women and you say that we’re either stupid or we’re sluts. That’s what you do. And I will tell you sir… I am neither of those,” Noem fumed at Moskowitz.
She also voiced frustration about the nature of the allegations being raised.
She told Chairman Jim Jordan that she was “shocked that we’re going down and peddling this tabloid garbage in this committee today.”
Mixed Reaction To Noem’s Tenure
Supporters of Noem have pointed to several enforcement milestones during her time at DHS. Her leadership oversaw major immigration enforcement operations, record drug seizures, and expanded deportation initiatives.
However, critics argue that her policies and public messaging fueled political tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.
The department also faced criticism from several prominent Democratic officials over its mass deportation strategy and detention operations.
Even so, many Republican lawmakers continued to defend Noem’s record during the controversy.
What Happens Next
While Mullin now stands as Trump’s choice to lead DHS, the nomination will still require Senate confirmation before he can officially assume the role.
In the meantime, Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar, a Navy veteran and former California mayor, is expected to serve as the department’s acting leader under the agency’s line of succession.
The sudden leadership change marks one of the most significant shifts within the administration’s national security team this year.
