Donald Trump has announced the dismissal of Kristi Noem as US homeland security secretary, ending weeks of mounting criticism over her leadership of the department. The president confirmed the move in a post on Truth Social, saying Markwayne Mullin, the Republican senator for Oklahoma, would take over the role from 31 March.
Noem's removal marks the first major personnel shakeup of Trump's second term, a notable contrast with his first term, when the White House experienced a rapid turnover of cabinet officials. Her departure follows complaints from both parties over the department's handling of security matters, including an incident in which immigration agents killed two US citizens, as well as reports that she was involved in a personal relationship with a senior deputy.
Despite leaving the top homeland security post, Noem is not being dropped from the administration entirely. Trump said she would become special envoy for “the Shield of the Americas”, a security initiative he plans to announce over the weekend. The exact scope of the initiative has not yet been detailed.
Democrats welcomed the decision. Hakeem Jeffries, the US House minority leader, said at a press conference: “Good riddance. She was a disaster.” However, Jeffries indicated that Noem's exit would not alter Democratic positions on funding the Department of Homeland Security, which has been partially shut down since mid-February.
Markwayne Mullin, a former businessman and staunch Trump ally, will now take charge of a department that has faced intense scrutiny over immigration enforcement and internal controversies. The transition is expected to take effect at the end of this month.
