Trump Fires Homeland Security Secretary Noem, Taps Senator Mullin as Replacement

President Donald Trump has removed Kristi Noem from her position as Homeland Security Secretary, naming Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as her successor. The move comes after scrutiny of Noem’s leadership and a contentious exchange regarding a departmental ad campaign.

Noem’s Dismissal

The firing, announced on March 5, 2026, via social media, marks the first departure of a Cabinet secretary during Trump’s second term. Trump stated Noem will assume the role of “Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas,” a newly created position intended to focus on security initiatives in the Western Hemisphere [USAToday].

The decision followed a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where Noem was questioned about a $220 million Homeland Security advertising campaign featuring her prominently. Noem asserted that Trump had approved the ads, a claim the president reportedly disputed [USAToday].

Reasons for the Firing

According to an administration official, the dismissal was a result of “a 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.” The official added that Noem’s “drama sadly overshadowed and distracted from the Administration’s extremely popular immigration agenda” [NBC News].

Noem’s tenure at DHS was too marked by criticism regarding the department’s policies, including those related to immigration enforcement and the deaths of two U.S. Citizens in Minneapolis [USAToday].

Markwayne Mullin’s Appointment

Senator Markwayne Mullin has been selected to replace Noem as Homeland Security Secretary, with Trump announcing the appointment on Truth Social [NBC News]. However, Mullin’s confirmation by the Senate is still required, with the process expected to occur later in March 2026 [NBC News].

Political Reactions

California Governor Gavin Newsom commented on the firing, stating, “Donald Trump is in retreat,” and characterizing Noem’s removal as the first firing of a high-profile cabinet member [USAToday].