Donald Trump fired Kristi Noem as the US Secretary of Homeland Security on March 5, sparking fresh controversy surrounding her tenure. Trump announced that Republican senator Markwayne Mullin would replace Noem at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Trump declared on Truth Social that Mullin would take over as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security on March 31. He further stated that Noem would instead serve in a newly created role of "Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas," which is connected to a new regional security program that his administration intends to present in Florida this weekend.
Noem's tenure as DHS Secretary was marred by controversies, including a disputed appearance before Congress where senators questioned her handling of immigration enforcement and DHS operations. The incident sparked protests and requests for an investigation into the agency's methods.
Trump was reportedly enraged by Noem's argument with Senator John Kennedy (R-LA), who asked her whether the president had personally approved a $220 million advertising campaign featuring the DHS secretary. The conflicting accounts created tension between the two and fueled criticism on Capitol Hill.
Noem's leadership at DHS had already been under pressure due to several high-profile incidents, including a disputed statement on X justifying an agent's actions in a fatal shooting, and the use of funds for a multi-million-dollar jet fleet.
