Kristi Noem is out as head of Homeland Security

March 5, 2026

President Donald Trump has removed Kristi Noem from her position as Secretary of Homeland Security, replacing her with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin effective March 31. Noem, a former South Dakota governor, will transition to a new role as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a Western Hemisphere security initiative being announced in Florida. Her departure follows intense congressional criticism from both parties regarding fatal shootings of U.S. citizens during immigration operations in Minneapolis, controversial spending on immigration advertisements, and her past admission of killing a puppy.

Who is affected

Kristi Noem (removed from DHS Secretary position)
Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma (nominated as replacement)
President Donald Trump (making personnel changes)
Tom Homan, White House border czar (took over Minnesota operations)
Renee Good and Alex Pretti (U.S. citizens fatally shot by federal immigration agents)
GOP Senators Thom Tillis and John Kennedy (criticized Noem during hearings)
House Democrats (building impeachment momentum)
Department of Homeland Security employees and operations
U.S. Senate (must confirm Mullin)

What action is being taken

Trump is replacing Noem with Senator Mullin as DHS Secretary
Noem is transitioning to Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas
Tom Homan is currently in charge of immigration operations in Minnesota
Lawmakers are declining to renew the agency's funding
House Democrats are building momentum to impeach Noem

Why it matters

This represents the first Cabinet-level dismissal of Trump's second term and signals significant dysfunction within the Department of Homeland Security during a period of aggressive immigration enforcement. The removal reflects bipartisan congressional dissatisfaction with the department's operations, particularly following the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens during immigration raids and controversial spending decisions. The controversy has already impacted the agency's ability to secure funding and demonstrates that even Trump loyalists face accountability when their actions generate substantial political backlash from both parties. The leadership change occurs at a critical time when the administration is pursuing heightened immigration enforcement activities.

What's next

Senator Markwayne Mullin must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate
Noem will assume the role of Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas effective March 31
The Shield of the Americas initiative will be announced on Saturday in Doral, Florida

Read full article from source: The 19th