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

President Donald Trump has fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, making her the first Cabinet secretary to leave his post in his second term. Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma has been nominated to replace her, effective March 31, 2026, according to a post on Trump’s social media account NBC News.

Noem’s New Role

Following her dismissal, Noem will transition to the role of Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, leading a new security initiative in the Western Hemisphere, slated to be announced on Saturday in Doral, Florida NPR. Trump praised Noem’s service at the Department of Homeland Security, stating, “I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland.’”

Mullin’s Appointment

Senator Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, is described by Trump as a “MAGA Warrior” and a former professional MMA fighter. Trump highlighted Mullin’s unique position as the only Native American in the Senate, stating he “truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda” NPR.

Reasons for the Change

An administration official cited “a culmination of her many unfortunate leadership failures” as the reason for Noem’s removal, including issues related to a shutdown, shootings, an ad campaign, allegations of infidelity, staff mismanagement, and conflicts with other agency heads like CBP and ICE NBC News. The official added that these issues overshadowed the administration’s immigration agenda.

Noem’s Accomplishments at DHS

The Department of Homeland Security, under Secretary Noem’s leadership, reportedly achieved its most successful period ever. According to the DHS, accomplishments included the most secure border in American history, the departure of 3 million undocumented immigrants, the location of 145,000 children, a 100% faster disaster relief response from FEMA, improvements to air travel, $13 billion in taxpayer savings, and revitalization of the U.S. Coast Guard DHS.

Congressional Scrutiny

The announcement follows two days of intense questioning of Noem by lawmakers in Congress regarding her leadership of the Department of Homeland Security NPR.