Trump Fires DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Announces Replacement

President Donald Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Thursday after she found herself at the center of multiple scandals.

“I am 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), effective March 31, 2026,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Thursday

“The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland,’ he added.

During two separate hearings on Capitol Hill this week, Noem faced a grilling from both Republicans and Democrats over her leadership.

During a Senate hearing Tuesday, Noem blamed Trump for approving questionable contracts worth over $200 million for deportation ads that raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Noem said the contracts “went out to a competitive bid and career officials at the department chose who would do those advertising commercials.”

Trump himself told Reuters that he had no knowledge of the expensive contracts. Hours later, he announced that Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin would replace Noem.

“Serving 10 years in the United States House of Representatives, and 3 in the Senate, Markwayne has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma, where I won all 77 out of 77 Counties — in 2016, 2020, and 2024! A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda,” Trump said in his Truth Social post.

“As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities. Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN. Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”