Article written by Matty Reiss, March 6th

Kristi Noem's Ousted

In March 2026, President Donald Trump removed Kristi Noem from her position as U.S. Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), marking the first major cabinet shake-up of his second presidential term. Noem, a former governor of South Dakota and longtime Trump ally, had served as DHS secretary for just over a year before being dismissed amid mounting political pressure and controversy. The president announced that Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma would replace her, while Noem would transition into a newly created diplomatic role tied to a regional security initiative. Her removal highlighted internal tensions within the administration and underscored the political stakes surrounding immigration enforcement and national security policy in the United States. 

Controversies and Policy Disputes

One of the primary factors leading to Noem’s firing was the growing controversy surrounding her management of immigration enforcement policies. During her tenure at DHS, she became one of the most visible advocates of the administration’s aggressive border security strategy, frequently appearing in media interviews and public events to promote mass deportation efforts. Supporters praised her for taking a tough stance on illegal immigration, while critics argued that her policies were overly harsh and poorly managed. Tensions escalated after a series of enforcement operations conducted by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis resulted in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens. The incidents sparked widespread criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans in Congress, who questioned the department’s oversight of immigration agents and its use-of-force policies. Lawmakers demanded explanations during congressional hearings, and Noem faced intense questioning about the operations and her department’s accountability procedures. These controversies put the administration under increasing political pressure. Critics argued that the department’s approach had created unnecessary risks and damaged public trust in federal law enforcement. As the investigations and hearings unfolded, the controversy became one of the most significant political challenges facing the Department of Homeland Security during Trump’s second term.

Political Pressure and Congressional Scrutiny

Another major factor behind Noem’s dismissal was the growing scrutiny from Congress. In the weeks leading up to her removal, she testified before both House and Senate committees regarding DHS policies and spending decisions. During these hearings, lawmakers from both parties questioned the department’s management and demanded transparency about several controversial programs. One issue that drew particular attention was a multimillion-dollar government advertising campaign designed to encourage undocumented immigrants to leave the United States voluntarily. Critics argued that the campaign was excessively expensive and improperly managed, while some lawmakers raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest connected to companies that benefited from the contracts. Noem’s testimony during these hearings proved politically damaging. Several senators accused her of providing inconsistent or incomplete explanations regarding the campaign and other departmental decisions. As criticism mounted, some lawmakers openly called for her resignation, arguing that the department needed new leadership to restore credibility. The hearings ultimately weakened her political support and increased pressure on the White House to make a leadership change.

Leadership Changes and the Future of DHS

President Trump’s decision to remove Noem signaled a broader shift within the administration’s national security leadership. In announcing the change, Trump praised Noem’s work on border enforcement but said it was time for new leadership at DHS. He selected Senator Markwayne Mullin to take over the department, a move that surprised many observers given Mullin’s relatively short time in the Senate. At the same time, the administration sought to frame Noem’s departure as a reassignment rather than a complete break. She was appointed to a newly created diplomatic position as Special Envoy for the “Shield of the Americas,” a regional security initiative focused on cooperation with countries in the Western Hemisphere to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. The leadership change comes at a time when DHS continues to face major challenges, including immigration policy debates, border enforcement strategies, and coordination with state and local governments. Mullin’s nomination will require Senate review, and lawmakers are expected to scrutinize his plans for the department closely. Ultimately, the firing of Kristi Noem illustrates how quickly political fortunes can shift within presidential administrations. While she entered the role as a prominent ally of the president, mounting controversies and political pressure eventually made her position untenable. The episode reflects the high stakes of immigration policy in American politics and highlights the ongoing struggle over how the United States manages border security and national safety.

Citations:

Baker, Peter. “Trump Removes Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary.” The New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026, www.nytimes.com.

“Trump Removes Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary.” Time, 5 Mar. 2026, time.com.

Sullivan, Kate. “Trump Replaces Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary.” People, 5 Mar. 2026, www.people.com.

“Kristi Noem Confronts Grim Truth That Everyone Is Expendable in Trump World.” The Guardian, 5 Mar. 2026, www.theguardian.com.

“Trump Removes Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary.” The Washington Post, 5 Mar. 2026, www.washingtonpost.com.