President Donald Trump has ousted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following her claims that he approved a controversial $220 million advertising campaign on border security, which featured her prominently. Trump denied any knowledge or approval of the ad during a phone interview with Reuters, stating he “never knew anything about” it. The campaign, launched in February 2025, urged illegal immigrants to self-deport and drew bipartisan scrutiny in Senate hearings over its high cost and contracts awarded to firms linked to Republican operatives and Noem’s aides.
Noem defended the initiative during testimony, asserting it was authorized by Trump and resulted in over 2.2 million self-deportations, saving taxpayers billions. However, lawmakers like Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) questioned the spending and Noem’s role in the ads, labeling the situation “terribly awkward.” Trump announced Noem’s replacement with Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) on March 5, 2026, amid reports of his fury over her testimony.
This national political shakeup highlights ongoing tensions in immigration policy, which could impact border-related funding discussions affecting Ohio communities in south central regions.
