Trump cuts his losses on Noem after controversial tenure at homeland security
Trump cuts his losses on Noem after controversial tenure at homeland security
President Donald Trump’s administration has seen several high-profile figures depart in recent months, but the removal of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on Thursday marked a significant shift. Known for her assertive stance on immigration, Noem’s time at the helm of the department became a focal point for controversy, culminating in her replacement by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin. The transition will take effect at the end of the month, though the Senate must confirm Mullin’s appointment. In her new role as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas initiative, Noem will continue promoting the administration’s immigration policies, but her tenure at DHS has ended.
Noem, who joined the Trump team after his 2016 return to the White House, quickly became a symbol of the administration’s hardline immigration strategy. She was often seen in bulletproof vests during raids, reinforcing her image as a frontline enforcer. Her advocacy for aggressive deportation efforts and policies that tightened the US-Mexico border earned her praise from some, but also drew criticism. The controversy deepened when she visited a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, where migrants had been deported from the US, wearing a $50,000 Rolex. Critics seized on the gesture, dubbing her “ICE Barbie” in a sharp rebuke.
“I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland,'” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Her unconventional approach extended to media appearances, including a campaign shot on horseback that critics argued glamorized immigration enforcement. This sparked backlash from Democrats, who condemned the use of $220 million in federal funds for a self-promoting ad blitz and nearly $200 million on luxury jets for her official travel. Noem defended the campaign during a Capitol Hill hearing, claiming Trump had been aware of the expenditures. However, the president publicly contradicted her, stating he had no knowledge of the costly initiatives.
Trump’s decision to replace Noem came after a tense conversation with Corey Lewandowski, her senior adviser, following her congressional testimony. The call, reported by CBS, signaled growing tensions within the administration. While some Republicans, like South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, supported the move, others, such as Washington state Congressman Dan Newhouse, argued that leadership changes at DHS were long overdue.
Earlier frustrations with Noem had been evident. The Minneapolis immigration crackdown in January faced major backlash after federal agents shot two US citizens. Trump had sent White House border tsar Tom Homan to lead the response, a move seen as a rebuke to Noem, who might have otherwise been assigned the task. Homan’s appointment highlighted Trump’s decision to distance himself from her aggressive tactics.
Noem also drew criticism for her comments on the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, where she claimed Pretti had “committed an act of domestic terrorism” before being shot—without providing evidence. The incident led to a moderation of the administration’s immigration rhetoric, revealing Trump’s awareness of public sentiment against Noem’s policies. Polls suggest a majority of Americans approve of certain aspects of Trump’s immigration agenda, yet Noem’s controversial leadership has faced increasing scrutiny.
