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In a dramatic shake-up at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), US President Donald Trump announced the firing of Trump fires homeland security chief Kristi Noem as the department’s head on Thursday, following controversy over her handling of the administration’s tough immigration policies.
Noem’s departure follows her testimony at a Senate hearing earlier this week, which drew the president’s ire. During the hearing, Noem revealed that Trump had approved a $220 million advertising campaign by DHS, in which she was prominently featured.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump appointed Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to replace Noem, with a confirmation process set for March 31.
Trump praised Mullen as a “MAGA Warrior” and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the department. He also highlighted Noem’s contributions, noting that she “has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!).”
Noem, 54, will take on a new role as Trump’s special envoy for a Western Hemisphere security initiative called “The Shield of the Americas.”
Trump’s comments came amid bipartisan criticism of Noem’s leadership at DHS. Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, blasted her handling of the department, accusing her of lacking a moral compass.
“Under your leadership, the Homeland Security Department has been devoid of any moral compass or respect for the rule of law,” Durbin said.
Additionally, Noem faced scrutiny over the deaths of two Americans killed during protests against the administration’s immigration crackdown. Several Republicans also called for her resignation, with Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina condemning the DHS under her leadership as a “disaster.”
The $220 million ad campaign, which was supposed to encourage self-deportation among undocumented migrants, became another point of contention.
Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana pointed out that while the campaign may have increased Noem’s name recognition, it did little to address the underlying issues in immigration enforcement.
Noem’s firing also comes at a time when the DHS is grappling with a partial shutdown, and Democrats are pushing for major changes in how Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operates. They have called for curtailed patrols, restrictions on ICE agents wearing face masks, and judicial warrants for private property entries before new funding for the department is approved.
