Former President Donald Trump has unleashed a scathing verbal assault on two prominent Republican senators who are publicly calling for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The political firestorm erupts as tensions escalate over violent and deadly immigration enforcement operations in the state of Minnesota.
Trump Dismisses Critics as 'Terrible Senators' and 'Losers'
In a candid interview with ABC News, Trump did not mince words when addressing Senators Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. The former president branded both lawmakers as 'losers' and questioned their effectiveness. 'You know, what can I tell you? They're terrible senators,' Trump stated bluntly. 'One is gone and the other should be gone.'
Trump specifically targeted Tillis, who recently announced he will not seek re-election, suggesting the senator had 'lost his voice' by making that decision. This public dressing-down highlights the deepening rift within the Republican Party over immigration strategy and leadership.
Mounting Pressure Over Minnesota Enforcement Violence
The senators' calls for Noem's ouster follow two high-profile shooting incidents in Minnesota involving federal immigration agents. The first victim was Renee Good, a poet and mother, who was shot through her vehicle's windshield by an ICE agent after her car made contact with the officer. Just over two weeks later, Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, was shot by a Department of Homeland Security agent during a street altercation.
These violent encounters have sparked widespread outrage and intensified scrutiny of Noem's leadership. A recent Daily Mail/JL Partners poll reveals the Homeland Security secretary is struggling with a dismal 33 percent approval rating, reflecting growing public concern over her department's operations.
Republican Senators Voice 'Complete Loss of Confidence'
Senator Thom Tillis expressed his unequivocal disillusionment with Noem's performance during a Capitol Hill briefing on Tuesday. He described her actions as 'amateurish' and 'incompetent,' stating he had suffered a complete loss of confidence in her ability to lead federal immigration operations.
'What she's done in Minnesota should be disqualifying. She should be out of a job,' Tillis told reporters. 'I think she's out of her depth.' The North Carolina senator argued that Noem's mishandling of situations was making Trump 'look bad on policies that he won on,' and urged the administration to 'treat these communities with some respect.'
When questioned about Trump's 'loser' comment, Tillis responded with sarcastic defiance: 'I am thrilled about that. That makes me qualified to be homeland security secretary and senior adviser to the president.' This remark appeared to reference Noem and Trump's Homeland Security advisor Stephen Miller, indicating the senator's willingness to engage in the war of words.
Murkowski Joins the Chorus for Accountability
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, whose current term extends until the 2028 election, has also broken ranks with the former president. Although she initially voted to confirm Noem, Murkowski now believes it is time for a leadership change at the Department of Homeland Security.
'I would not support her again. And I think it probably is time for her to step down,' Murkowski stated, emphasising that Noem should be held accountable for the 'chaos and some of the tragedy' unfolding in Minneapolis. She criticised Noem's decision to label Alex Pretti a 'domestic terrorist' as particularly unhelpful to resolving the tense situation.
Trump dismissed Murkowski's stance, noting 'she's always against the Republicans anyway,' further illustrating the ideological divisions within the party.
White House Responds with Operational Changes
Amid the growing controversy, reports emerged this week that Trump has stripped Noem of her internal immigration enforcement responsibilities. Instead, the former president wants her to concentrate exclusively on border security matters. To address the escalating crisis in Minnesota, Trump deployed White House 'border czar' Tom Homan to Minneapolis on Monday to assume control of enforcement operations in the northern border state.
When directly asked on Tuesday whether Noem would be stepping down, Trump shook his head and simply stated: 'No.' This definitive response suggests the former president remains steadfast in his support for the embattled Homeland Security secretary despite mounting pressure from within his own party.
Broader Political Implications for Republicans
The internal Republican conflict over immigration enforcement comes at a politically sensitive time. Several GOP lawmakers have expressed concerns privately that the party is mishandling what should be a strong electoral issue. One unnamed senator told Politico that immigration represents a 'home game' for Republicans, analogous to how healthcare benefits Democrats.
However, instead of media coverage focusing on migrants crossing the border, the current news cycle is dominated by images of American citizens being shot in daylight by federal agents. This shift in narrative has prompted anxiety among Republicans who fear the party may be squandering a crucial advantage ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats have already begun floating the possibility of impeaching Noem, with these calls intensifying significantly this month following her criticised response to the deaths of American citizens at the hands of her agents. The political stakes continue to rise as the debate over immigration enforcement and accountability reaches fever pitch within Washington's corridors of power.
