Quick Read
- President Trump dismissed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
- Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin has been appointed as the new DHS Secretary, effective March 31, 2026.
- Noem will serve as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas.
- Noem’s departure follows criticism over department blunders and spending.
WASHINGTON D.C. (Azat TV) – President Donald Trump has dismissed Kristi Noem from her post as Secretary of Homeland Security, naming Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as her successor. The change, announced Thursday via Trump’s social media platform Truth Social, is effective March 31, 2026. Noem is the first Cabinet member of Trump’s second term to be removed from their position.
Noem’s Ouster Follows Intense Scrutiny and Blunders
The dismissal of Secretary Noem comes after weeks of mounting public scrutiny and criticism over her department’s handling of several high-profile incidents. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill had reportedly berated Noem over recent blunders, including the fatal shootings of two American citizens by border patrol agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Additionally, allegations of attempts by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to impede investigations into these shootings, alongside reports of extravagant departmental spending and restrictions on FEMA disaster relief funds, contributed to the decision.
Reuters reported that Trump was particularly displeased with Noem’s responses during hearings before the House and Senate Oversight Committees regarding multi-million dollar contracts awarded to the husband of her former deputy press secretary. Noem had defended the nearly $220 million in ad spending, which prominently featured her image, and the distribution of contracts, asserting that Trump had approved the expenditures. Trump, however, later told Reuters that he had no prior knowledge of the spending.
Further complicating Noem’s tenure were allegations of an affair with her top advisor, Corey Lewandowski, who also served as a former Trump Campaign Manager. Recent weeks saw accusations of both Lewandowski and Noem abusing DHS resources and creating a chaotic environment within the department. The sources indicate that Noem’s performance during a recent bruising hearing was the final catalyst for her removal.
Senator Mullin Tapped for DHS Leadership
Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Republican representing Oklahoma since 2023, has been tapped by President Trump to lead the DHS. Mullin, described as a loyal Trump supporter, expressed surprise at the call, stating he and Trump are “great friends.” His nomination, however, will require Senate confirmation.
Mullin has been a vocal defender of Trump’s agenda, including recent military actions. He has also been critical of the ongoing partial U.S. government shutdown, which has impacted DHS funding. Mullin has previously supported the administration’s immigration policies, including crackdowns and detention efforts. Following the Minneapolis shooting incident, Mullin posted on social media that “these patriots are doing a difficult job” and that “obstructing federal law enforcement is a felony.”
Noem’s New Role and Departmental Shake-up
In a statement posted to Truth Social, President Trump announced that Kristi Noem would be reassigned as the “Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” a new security initiative for the Western Hemisphere that is set to be announced over the weekend. Noem acknowledged her new role in a social media post, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to “build on the partnerships and national security expertise” she developed during her 13 months as DHS Secretary.
Corey Lewandowski, Noem’s chief advisor, is also reportedly leaving his position at the Department of Homeland Security, according to MS Now. The departure of Lewandowski, who was frequently featured alongside Noem in departmental ad campaigns, signals a broader shake-up within the agency.
The appointment of Mullin is expected to signal a continuation of the Trump administration’s hardline stance on border security and immigration, areas that were central to Noem’s agenda despite the controversies that plagued her tenure. The confirmation process for Senator Mullin is anticipated to be closely watched, given the high-stakes nature of the Department of Homeland Security.
The abrupt dismissal of Secretary Noem and the swift appointment of Senator Mullin underscore President Trump’s assertive management style and his administration’s continued focus on border security and national defense initiatives.