Trump cuts his losses on Noem after controversial tenure at homeland security

March 5, 2026

President Trump removed Kristi Noem from her position as Homeland Security Secretary, replacing her with Senator Markwayne Mullin, while reassigning her to a new role as special envoy for a Western hemisphere security initiative. Noem's tenure was marked by her high-profile participation in immigration raids and controversial spending decisions, including a $220 million advertising campaign featuring herself and $200 million on luxury jets, which drew criticism from Democrats and the public. Trump's decision followed growing frustration with Noem's handling of the Minneapolis immigration operation that resulted in two civilian deaths and public backlash against aggressive enforcement tactics.

Who is affected

Kristi Noem (removed as DHS Secretary, reassigned as special envoy)
Markwayne Mullin (Oklahoma Senator nominated as new DHS Secretary)
Corey Lewandowski (senior adviser to Noem, leaving the department)
Tom Homan (White House border tsar)
Renee Good and Alex Pretti (US citizens killed in Minneapolis immigration operation)
The Department of Homeland Security and its employees
Undocumented immigrants subject to enforcement actions
Congressional Democrats who criticized Noem's spending
Republican legislators consulted about the firing

What action is being taken

Mullin is replacing Noem as DHS Secretary at the end of the month
The US Senate must confirm Mullin in his new post
Noem is moving to a new position as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas initiative
Corey Lewandowski is leaving the department
The Department of Homeland Security is caught in a funding battle over proposed immigration enforcement reforms

Why it matters

This is significant because it represents Trump's first major cabinet shakeup of his second term and demonstrates his willingness to respond to political pressure and public opinion. The change suggests the administration recognizes that aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, while popular with Trump's base, have become unpopular with broader American public, particularly heading into an election year. The removal also reinforces the longstanding pattern in Trump's administration that no adviser can overshadow the president himself, establishing boundaries for cabinet members seeking high-profile roles.

What's next

Markwayne Mullin will assume the DHS Secretary position at the end of the month pending Senate confirmation
Noem will begin her role as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas
It remains to be seen whether additional cabinet changes will follow Noem's departure
The direction of policy at the Department of Homeland Security under Mullin's leadership is an open question

Read full article from source: BBC