President Donald Trump has removed Kristi Noem from her position as Homeland Security Secretary, marking a significant setback for his deportation strategies.
Trump announced on social media that he will nominate Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin as Noem’s replacement. The decision came after Noem faced challenging questioning from both Republican and Democratic members in Congress two days earlier. Trump revealed that Noem will now serve as a “Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” a security initiative focused on the Western Hemisphere.
Noem becomes the first Cabinet secretary to depart during Trump’s second term. Her exit follows a tumultuous term marked by controversial immigration enforcement methods that triggered protests and legal actions. Recently, Noem was questioned by a Congressional committee regarding alleged involvement in an affair with aide Corey Lewandowski, a claim that both parties have denied despite being married.
In addition, Noem faced scrutiny over the deaths of Minnesota protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this year at the hands of ICE agents during her oversight of the immigration crackdown in the state.
Criticism was also directed at the former South Dakota governor for the department’s handling of the substantial funds allocated by Congress.
Noem’s handling of Trump’s strict immigration policies, particularly following the Minneapolis shooting incidents, and her disaster response management contributed to her downfall. She encountered harsh criticism from Democrats and some Republicans during Congressional hearings this week on these and other matters.
Besides immigration issues, Noem faced backlash, even from fellow Republicans, for delays in securing emergency funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and for the administration’s disaster response efforts.
Mullin’s nomination requires Senate confirmation, but he could serve as the acting Homeland Security secretary under a federal law governing executive branch vacancies while awaiting formal confirmation.