Breaking: Kristi Noem out at Homeland Security chief

By THE ALASKA STORY

March 5, 2026 – President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will replace Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, marking one of the first major cabinet-level personnel changes of his second term.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Noem will step down at the end of the month, effective March 31, and that he intends to nominate Markwayne Mullin to lead the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Trump praised Noem’s service but signaled a transition in leadership.

“Secretary Kristi Noem has served us well and delivered numerous and spectacular results,” Trump wrote. “I thank her for her tremendous service to our country.”

Despite the public praise, the move follows weeks of mounting criticism and scrutiny surrounding Noem’s leadership at DHS. According to multiple reports from Washington, frustration with her performance had been growing within the administration.

Noem faced difficult questioning earlier this week during appearances before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees. Lawmakers from both parties pressed her on immigration enforcement policies and the department’s handling of several controversial incidents.

One of the most contentious issues involved a confrontation earlier this year in Minneapolis in which federal agents fatally shot two protesters who engaged in violence. Members of Congress demanded further explanation about the chain of command and rules of engagement used by federal authorities.

Another controversy centered on a $220 million advertising campaign contract issued by DHS that drew scrutiny from lawmakers over potential favoritism and questions about procurement practices.

During the hearings, lawmakers also raised questions about allegations that Noem had a personal relationship with political adviser Corey Lewandowski. The allegations surfaced during tense exchanges and added to the political pressure surrounding her tenure.

Although Trump’s statement framed the move as a transition, news outlets described Noem’s departure as an ouster.

Noem, who previously served as governor of South Dakota and earlier represented the state in Congress, was confirmed as Homeland Security secretary in early 2025 following Trump’s return to the White House.

According to administration officials, Noem will move into a new position as special envoy for what the administration calls the “Shield of the Americas,” a Western Hemisphere security initiative focused on migration, drug trafficking, and regional security cooperation.

Trump’s nomination of Mullin will require confirmation by the US Senate. Mullin, a former House member and business owner who has represented Oklahoma in the Senate since 2023, has been a strong supporter of Trump’s border security agenda. His departure from the Senate will mean he must be replaced;  Oklahoma law requires Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt to appoint a temporary replacement from the same political party as Mullin, who is Republican.

If confirmed, he would take charge of the department responsible for border enforcement, immigration services, disaster response, and domestic security at a time when immigration policy remains one of the most contentious issues in national politics.