President Donald Trump has removed Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary and announced her replacement with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, effective March 31. Noem will take on a new role as a special envoy for the Western Hemisphere. The change comes amid controversy over Noem's claim that Trump signed off on a $200 million ad campaign urging migrants to self-deport, which the president did not approve. The move marks the first time Trump has replaced a Cabinet member during his second term. The Department of Homeland Security is currently in a three-week partial shutdown due to a funding standoff with Congress.
Senator Markwayne Mullin expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the new Homeland Security secretary and vowed to build on the successes of his predecessor. The Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries have stated that Noem's firing will not resolve the ongoing fight over immigration policy. The controversy follows a sweeping federal immigration crackdown in the Minneapolis area that led to thousands of arrests and two US citizens being fatally shot by federal immigration officers.
Noem has been a loyal lieutenant to Trump during his second term but faced bipartisan rebukes during congressional hearings this week. She was questioned about her relationship with longtime Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski and a dispute with DHS's inspector general over access to records tied to ongoing investigations. Lewandowski will also be leaving the department.
