President Donald Trump has just announced that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has been removed from her position and that he will nominate Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to replace her.
Trump revealed the decision in a Thursday post on Truth Social.
Noem, a former South Dakota governor and congresswoman, had led the department during the early part of President Trump’s second term.
If confirmed, Mullin would take over one of the administration’s most high-profile posts overseeing border security, immigration enforcement, and domestic security operations.
Deputy Secretary Expected to Lead Department Temporarily
Following Noem’s departure, Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Troy Edgar is expected to serve as acting head of the department under the agency’s line of succession.
Edgar is a Navy veteran and former mayor of Los Alamitos, California.
Noem Oversaw Major Shift in Border Policy
During her tenure, Noem oversaw a dramatic shift away from the open-border policies implemented under former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during the Biden administration.
Under Noem’s leadership, DHS reported record drug interdictions totaling more than 500,000 pounds of illegal narcotics in her first year.
The department also implemented President Trump’s mass deportation agenda, which officials say resulted in:
• More than 2 million reported self-deportations in 2025
• Approximately 670,000 removals of illegal immigrants
Supporters of the policy have described the effort as the most aggressive immigration enforcement operation in modern U.S. history.
DHS Frequently Clashed With Political Critics
Throughout her time at DHS, Noem and the department publicly pushed back against several high-profile critics.
Those included:
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom
• Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
• Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz
• Maryland Senate candidate David Trone
Trone accused DHS of “executing people in the streets” during a protest advertisement filmed outside a facility in Williamsport that had recently been purchased for use as an immigration detention center.
Border Leadership Changes Amid Political Backlash
Criticism of the administration’s deportation policies, particularly in Minneapolis, contributed to leadership changes within federal border enforcement.
U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino, a DHS official, was replaced in the Twin Cities by Border Czar Tom Homan during the controversy.
Reports Say Trump Was Frustrated After Congressional Hearings
Reports also emerged that President Trump was unhappy with Noem’s performance during bicameral Judiciary Committee hearings earlier in the week.
According to National Review, Trump was reportedly angered by exchanges concerning a taxpayer-funded advertising contract that lawmakers questioned during the hearing.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) and other senators pressed Noem about the contract, which was subcontracted to a firm connected to individuals within her political circle.
The report said Trump objected to Noem suggesting during the hearing that Kennedy had approved the advertisement.
Democrats Questioned Noem Over Lewandowski Rumors
During a separate House hearing, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) questioned Noem about rumors of an alleged relationship with Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump ally who currently serves as a DHS special government employee.
Kamlager-Dove asked Noem whether she had ever had “sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski.”
Noem strongly rejected the line of questioning.
Her husband, Bryon Noem, a South Dakota businessman and former first gentleman, was seated just behind her during the exchange.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) continued pressing the issue and suggested Noem should deny the rumors on the record.
“I really think you need to say the word ‘no’ into the record so that you can clear that up,” Moskowitz said.
Noem Fires Back at Democrats
Noem responded angrily to the questioning and accused Democrats of pushing tabloid-style attacks.
“I was shocked that we’re going down and peddling this tabloid garbage in this committee today,” she told House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH).
“The socialist, liberal Left: you go off, and you attack conservative women, and you say that we’re either stupid or we’re sluts,” Noem said.
“And I will tell you, sir… I am neither of those.”
Republicans Defended Noem’s Leadership
Despite the controversy, several Republicans praised Noem’s performance as DHS secretary.
Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA) told her during the hearing that she had inherited a deeply flawed system and significantly improved enforcement.
“Madam Secretary, you inherited a disaster, and you turned it around,” Higgins said.
“An astonishing 97% decrease in illegal crossings isn’t a coincidence; it’s leadership. Know that this committee has your back.”
Heated Exchange With Rep. Eric Swalwell
During the hearing, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) also questioned Noem about the DHS advertising contract.
Noem pushed back during the exchange.
“While you are focusing on photo-ops and luxury jets, I’m focused on the fact that the Coast Guard might not get paid because your party is choosing not to fund them,” she told the California Democrat.
The White House has not yet announced when Senator Mullin will formally be submitted to the Senate for confirmation as the next Secretary of Homeland Security.
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