Trump Replaces Noem with Mullin as Homeland Security Secretary

President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the removal of Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, replacing her with Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. The decision follows a period of mounting criticism regarding Noem’s leadership and handling of key departmental issues.

Controversies Leading to Noem’s Departure

Noem’s departure comes after a wave of criticism centered on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) immigration enforcement tactics and her response to several high-profile incidents. Specifically, scrutiny increased following the deaths of two U.S. Citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during federal operations in Minnesota in January. Noem publicly labeled both individuals as “domestic terrorists,” a characterization disputed by video evidence and witness testimony (CNBC).

Further complicating matters, reports surfaced regarding a contentious meeting between Noem, advisor Corey Lewandowski, and President Trump in September, as well as allegations of inappropriate behavior by Lewandowski (CNBC). During congressional hearings, Noem declined to answer questions regarding the nature of her relationship with Lewandowski, dismissing them as “tabloid garbage.”

Policy Directives and Rising Death Toll

A secretive policy directive issued in May 2025, authorized ICE agents to enter private residences without a judicial warrant, relying solely on administrative removal documents (Newsweek). This led to documented instances of agents entering the wrong homes.

Under Noem’s leadership, a record 53 people died in ICE or CBP custody last year (AP News). The DHS also initiated a $38 billion procurement effort to convert warehouses into mass detention camps for individuals awaiting deportation.

FEMA Funding Delays

Noem’s practice of personally approving all contracts and grants exceeding $100,000 at DHS created a significant backlog at FEMA, hindering the agency’s ability to respond effectively to disasters and threats. A Senate Democrats report found that over 1,000 contracts, grants, and awards were delayed due to Noem’s vetting process (AP News).

Mullin’s Appointment and Future Initiatives

Senator Markwayne Mullin, a staunch Trump ally and immigration hardliner, will replace Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security (The New York Times). Trump announced that Noem will transition to the role of Special Envoy for “The Shield of the Americas,” a new security initiative in the Western Hemisphere to be unveiled on Saturday in Doral, Florida (CNBC).