Trump Replaces DHS Chief Kristi Noem With Sen. Markwayne Mullin
Trump ousted Kristi Noem over a $220 million DHS ad campaign and Minneapolis enforcement fallout, naming Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead DHS pending Senate confirmation.
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Overview
President Trump announced he is removing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and naming Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her effective March 31, 2026, pending Senate confirmation.
Noem’s firing followed criticism of a $220 million DHS ad campaign and fallout from a Minneapolis immigration enforcement operation in which two U.S. citizens were killed, officials and lawmakers said.
Democrats on Capitol Hill hailed Noem’s departure while some Republicans, including Sen. Thom Tillis, signaled support for Mullin, and a source familiar said Noem’s adviser Corey Lewandowski will depart DHS.
The ad contract has drawn scrutiny over its award, with $143 million reported to have gone to Safe America Media, and DHS oversight disputes prompted public criticism from inspector general Joseph Cuffari and others.
Mullin must be confirmed by the Senate and is expected to face a hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee chaired by Sen. Rand Paul, and Noem’s last day was listed as March 31, 2026 in a department message.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the switch as competence-driven and politically fraught, foregrounding Noem’s controversies and Mullin’s lack of law‑enforcement experience. Editorial choices — headlines stressing his inexperience and repeated references to 'baseless' election claims — combine with selective critical official comments and operational failures to create a skeptical narrative.
FAQ
Kristi Noem faced criticism over multiple issues during her tenure as DHS Secretary. Most prominently, she was blamed for a $220 million taxpayer-funded ad campaign that the White House later disavowed[3]. Additionally, Noem faced GOP criticism after the chaotic fallout from a DHS enforcement surge in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, killed by federal agents during immigration enforcement operations[3]. Republicans argued that her approach to handling these incidents, including rushing to speak on television, undermined public trust in ongoing investigations[3]. These controversies, combined with broader concerns about DHS management under her leadership, contributed to her replacement.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin, age 48, brings over a decade of legislative experience to the position, having served 10 years in the U.S. House of Representatives before his election to the Senate[1]. He serves on several committees including Appropriations, Armed Services, Indian Affairs, and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and his role on the Appropriations Committee gives him experience with federal funding negotiations, including DHS funding discussions[2]. However, Mullin has no law enforcement background[1]. Beyond politics, he is known as a former undefeated professional mixed martial arts fighter[1]. As the only Native American in the Senate, Trump highlighted his advocacy for tribal communities[1].
Kristi Noem will leave her post as DHS Secretary to serve as "Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas," a new security initiative focused on cooperation across the Western Hemisphere[1]. This initiative is expected to be formally announced on Saturday in Doral, Florida[1]. Trump credited Noem with delivering "numerous and spectacular results" during her tenure leading the department[1].
Yes, Mullin must be confirmed by the Senate before officially serving as DHS Secretary[2]. He will need to appear before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for confirmation hearings[2]. One potential obstacle is that Mullin has clashed with the committee's chairman, Rand Paul (R-Ky.), in the past[2]. Trump announced that Mullin will start in the role on March 31, 2026, pending confirmation[2].
When Mullin leaves the Senate to lead DHS, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will appoint a replacement to fill his Senate seat[1]. State law requires that appointees affirm they will not run in the next election[1]. Stitt has stated he will appoint "a strong, small government conservative voice" to replace Mullin[1].
