Donald Trump has fired Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary, replacing her with Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. The announcement, made on Truth Social, marks the first major cabinet shake-up of Trump's second term. Noem will become special envoy for 'the Shield of the Americas', a new security initiative.
Noem's dismissal follows weeks of bipartisan criticism after immigration agents killed two US citizens and reports emerged of a personal relationship with a top deputy, Corey Lewandowski. Democrats cheered her departure, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling her 'a disaster'. However, Jeffries stressed that personnel change alone is insufficient without policy reforms.
Senator Chuck Schumer echoed that sentiment, stating he does not trust anyone to lead the department under Trump. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham also supported the change, saying 'it was time for a change'. Noem thanked Trump for the new role, promoting her record at the department.
Noem, a former governor of South Dakota, was considered a potential running mate for Trump in 2024 but was passed over after admitting to killing a dog. She became the public face of Trump's immigration crackdown, which led to the deaths of US citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Noem accused both of domestic terrorism, sparking calls for her resignation.
