U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
Photo by Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was removed on Thursday from her post after months of internal disputes, congressional scrutiny and tensions with the White House, with some officials inside DHS welcoming her departure, according to a new report.
One department official consulted by the news site described the atmosphere following the announcement in blunt terms: "Lots of happy people here today."
President Trump announced Thursday that he was dismissing Noem and nominating Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to lead the Department of Homeland Security. In a post on Truth Social, Trump thanked Noem for her service and said she would transition to a new role as special envoy for a security initiative called the "Shield of the Americas." Mullin is expected to assume the position on March 31 pending Senate confirmation.
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Noem had overseen the administration's mass deportation campaign since taking office in January 2025. Her tenure was marked by a highly visible public profile, including appearances in enforcement-themed advertisements and visits to immigration detention facilities abroad. But officials inside the administration said her removal stemmed largely from internal disputes and concerns about how she managed the department.
A senior administration official, who requested anonymity described the decision in detail to The Atlantic:
"Replacing Kristi was based on the culmination of her many unfortunate leadership failures including the fallout in Minnesota, the ad campaign, the allegations of infidelity, the mismanagement of her staff, and her constant feuding with the heads of other agencies, including CBP and ICE. Kristi's drama sadly overshadowed and distracted from the Administration's extremely popular immigration agenda, which will continue full force"
Questions about the $220 million advertising campaign intensified during congressional hearings this week as Republican Sen. John Kennedy asked whether Trump had approved the campaign, which prominently featured Noem urging migrants to self-deport.
When Noem said the president had been aware of the effort, Kennedy responded that the ads were "effective in your name recognition" and that they had put Trump "in a terribly awkward spot." Trump later told Reuters, "I never knew anything about it."
Noem also faced scrutiny over her working relationship with Corey Lewandowski, a longtime political ally serving as a special government employee at DHS. During a congressional hearing, Noem dismissed questions about reports of a romantic relationship as "tabloid garbage."
Inside DHS, officials said frustration had been building over the leadership structure and management style within the department. One official told CNN that Noem "paid the price," accusing her of using the position for personal promotion.
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Tags: Markwayne Mullin, Kristi Noem, Department of Homeland Security, Trump administration, Trump cabinet