Kristi Noem Out as Homeland Security Secretary, Replaced by Senator Markwayne Mullin

President Trump has fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and appointed Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma as her replacement, marking the first departure of a Cabinet secretary during Trump’s second term. The move comes after a period of scrutiny surrounding Noem’s leadership, including questions about an advertising campaign, allegations of improper relationships and concerns over her handling of departmental operations.

From Border Security to Special Envoy

Noem, who took charge of the Department of Homeland Security in January 2025 and spearheaded the administration’s mass deportation agenda, will transition to a newly created role as the Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas – Western Hemisphere, effective March 31, 2026. This announcement was made via President Trump’s social media account, with further details expected at an event in Doral, Florida, on Saturday. Department of Homeland Security

Concerns Over Ad Campaign and Congressional Testimony

The decision to remove Noem followed a contentious week of testimony before Congress, where she defended a $220 million advertising campaign urging migrants to self-deport. Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana questioned whether President Trump had approved the campaign, with Noem asserting that he had. Kennedy reportedly conveyed to reporters that Noem’s account differed from the President’s. NBC News

Multiple Factors Contributed to Noem’s Departure

According to an administration official, the firing was the result of “a culmination of her many unfortunate leadership failures,” including fallout from incidents in Minnesota, the ad campaign, allegations of infidelity, mismanagement of staff, and conflicts with other agency heads like Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). NBC News

Mullin’s Appointment and Senate Confirmation

Senator Markwayne Mullin, a staunch supporter of President Trump’s immigration policies, is expected to face a confirmation hearing in the Senate. He is described as a “MAGA Warrior” and the only Native American in the Senate. NPR

Ongoing Investigations and Internal Disputes

Noem had faced increasing pressure following the deaths of two U.S. Citizens in Minneapolis earlier in the year, leading to her removal from overseeing deportation efforts in that state. Internal disputes too arose over policy decisions, such as the implementation of body cameras for federal agents and funding negotiations for the Department of Homeland Security. NPR

Lewandowski’s Departure

Corey Lewandowski, who served as a special government employee within the Department of Homeland Security, is also expected to leave his position alongside Noem. Their professional and personal relationship had been the subject of scrutiny, and rumors. NPR