Donald Trump has fired Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary, replacing her with Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin. The dismissal, announced on Truth Social, follows weeks of bipartisan criticism over her leadership, including the killing of two US citizens by immigration agents and reports of a personal relationship with a top deputy.
Noem will become special envoy for 'the Shield of the Americas', a security initiative Trump plans to announce. She thanked Trump for the new role, promoting her record at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Democrats cheered her departure, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling her 'a disaster'.
Senator Lindsey Graham said 'it was time for a change', while Chuck Schumer stated he does not trust anyone leading DHS under Trump. The department has been partly shut since February after Senate Democrats blocked a spending measure over immigration agent conduct rules.
Noem faced scrutiny after federal agents killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. She accused both of 'domestic terrorism', contradicting their known involvement in protests. Reports also emerged of her relationship with senior adviser Corey Lewandowski, including travel on a luxury jet.
