Trump cuts his losses on Noem after controversial tenure at homeland security
Trump cuts his losses on Noem after controversial tenure at homeland security
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the departure of Kristi Noem from her position as Secretary of Homeland Security, marking the end of her contentious time in the role. Noem will be succeeded by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, who will take over the position next month. The Senate must confirm Mullin’s appointment, according to Trump’s statement on Truth Social.
Noem’s removal comes as she transitions to a new role as special envoy for a Western hemisphere security initiative named the Shield of the Americas. In her final remarks, Trump expressed gratitude for her service, calling her “a tough-talking immigration enforcer-in-chief.” The decision underscores her controversial tenure, which centered on advancing the administration’s aggressive immigration policies.
Since joining the Trump administration last year, Noem became a key figure in its immigration enforcement efforts. She was frequently seen participating in raids, often in bulletproof vests, and promoted policies that aimed to seal the U.S.-Mexico border. Her bold presence on the frontlines earned her praise from some but criticism from others who questioned her role in high-profile operations.
Her time in the department was marked by several polarizing moments. A notable incident occurred when she visited a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, wearing a $50,000 Rolex. Critics labeled her “ICE Barbie” for appearing on horseback in a DHS ad campaign encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave the country. Additionally, she spent nearly $220 million on a congressional advertising blitz and $200 million on luxury jets for official travel.
“I never knew anything about it,” Trump said when confronted about the campaign costs.
Noem defended the ad spending in a Capitol Hill hearing, asserting that Trump was aware of the expenditures. However, the president publicly contradicted her, suggesting he had no knowledge of the expense. This discrepancy highlighted growing tensions between Noem and the administration.
Trump’s frustration with Noem had been evident for months. After a major backlash over immigration raids in Minneapolis that killed two U.S. citizens, he dispatched White House border official Tom Homan to lead the response. This move was seen as a rebuke to Noem, who had previously been given autonomy to spearhead enforcement actions.
Noem also drew criticism for her comments following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in January. She claimed Pretti had “committed an act of domestic terrorism” before being shot, a statement without supporting evidence. These remarks, along with the broader crackdown, led to a shift in Trump’s messaging on immigration, signaling awareness of public discontent.
Some lawmakers immediately endorsed Trump’s decision. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham called it “time for a change,” while Washington state Congressman Dan Newhouse described the leadership shift as “long overdue.” The removal of Noem and her senior adviser Corey Lewandowski suggests a broader reorganization of the immigration strategy within the administration.
