Markwayne Mullin to Replace Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary
After weeks of scrutiny and criticism regarding her handling of the Department of Homeland Security, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, March 5, 2026, that Kristi Noem will be replaced as DHS Secretary by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin. The change will be effective March 31, 2026.
Noem’s Departure and New Role
Noem is the first member of President Trump’s second-term Cabinet to be removed from her position according to CBS News. In a statement posted on Truth Social, President Trump stated he was “pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS).”
Trump indicated Noem will transition to a new role as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a new security initiative the administration will unveil on Saturday in Doral, Florida. He praised Noem’s “numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!).”
Reasons for the Change
The dismissal follows days of intense questioning of Noem by lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Criticism centered on what many described as disastrous blunders by the department, including the deaths of two American citizens during an operation by border patrol agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and concerns over attempts to limit investigations into these shootings as reported by CNBC.
Noem as well faced scrutiny for alleged extravagant spending within the department and restrictions placed on FEMA disaster relief funds. During a Senate hearing earlier this week, Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana questioned Noem about a $220 million ad campaign featuring herself, and her hiring of individuals with ties to her previous political work in South Dakota as detailed by CBS News.
At a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Noem declined to answer a question regarding a personal relationship with a married advisor, deeming the inquiry “tabloid garbage” according to CNBC.
Mullin’s Appointment
Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, will be taking over the role of DHS Secretary. The appointment comes as the department’s funding has lapsed and Congress has struggled to reach an agreement as reported by CBS News.