President Donald Trump announced on March 5, 2026, that he has removed Kristi Noem as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Noem, who previously served as South Dakota’s governor, faced intense bipartisan criticism during her tenure over aggressive immigration enforcement actions that resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens, delayed FEMA disaster responses, and reports of excessive departmental spending on advertising and private travel. Trump stated on Truth Social that Noem will transition to a new position as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a Western Hemisphere security initiative, while nominating Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to replace her as DHS Secretary, pending Senate confirmation.
The firing marks the first major Cabinet change in Trump’s second term and follows recent congressional hearings where Noem endured sharp questioning from both parties. Mullin, a former congressman with Cherokee heritage, was praised by Trump for the “wisdom and courage” needed to advance the administration’s agenda on border security and disaster management. Noem’s departure highlights ongoing challenges within the department and shifts focus to how the incoming secretary will address persistent issues in immigration, customs enforcement, and emergency response.
