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By Amanda Castro, Joshua Rhett Miller, Leonardo Feldman, and Billal Rahman
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Kristi Noem, long the public face of the Trump administration’s most aggressive immigration and security policies, has been removed as Secretary of Homeland Security just one day after a bruising appearance on Capitol Hill. President Donald Trump said he will nominate Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her, ending months of speculation about Noem’s future inside the administration.
Kristi Noem publicly responded to her new assignment as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas via X, thanking Trump and highlighting what she described as “historic accomplishments” during her 13 months leading the Department of Homeland Security, even as her removal from the post continued to reverberate in Washington.
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What to Know:
- Noem’s ouster follows two contentious days of congressional hearings in early March, where lawmakers pressed her on DHS tactics in Minnesota and her ties to adviser Corey Lewandowski.
- The president said Noem would become special envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a new hemispheric security initiative.
- She oversaw Trump’s mass‑deportation agenda and DHS operations in Minnesota, where officers killed two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in separate incidents.
- Noem drew bipartisan criticism after labeling both victims “domestic terrorists,” comments that appeared to conflict with video evidence.
- Trump sidelined Noem after Pretti’s death, sending border czar Tom Homan to take over Minnesota operations.
- Democrats repeatedly called for her removal or impeachment; several Republicans also questioned DHS’s tactics.
- Despite Trump’s public praise, frustration had been building among senior aides and governors over Noem’s handling of detention expansion, FEMA funds, and disaster relief.
- Reports of her impending removal circulated for months, though the White House had previously dismissed them as “fake news.”
- Trump’s decision to replace her with Mullin comes as the administration prepares to launch a new Western Hemisphere security initiative.
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Mar 05, 2026 at 08:00 PM EST
Hamadeh backs Mullin as ‘right leader’ for DHS
Arizona Republican Abe Hamadeh offered strong support for Senator Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security, telling Newsweek he believes Mullin is well-suited for the job. Hamadeh said his experience working alongside Mullin gives him confidence in the senator’s ability to take on the department’s top role at a moment of intense scrutiny.
He added that Trump “knows how to pick a winning team” and noted that Arizona sits on the front lines of national‑security and border‑security challenges. Hamadeh said he looks forward to continuing to work with Mullin as he transitions into the position.
Mar 05, 2026 at 07:46 PM EST
Noem’s FEMA bottlenecks helped trigger her removal
Kristi Noem’s firing came after months of mounting anger over her decision to personally review every FEMA contract and grant over $100,000 — a policy that slowed reimbursements communities had been waiting on for months or even years. The delays drew bipartisan frustration, culminating this week in sharp criticism from lawmakers who said disaster‑stricken regions were being left in limbo.
Rep. Kevin Kiley pressed Noem on a $2.5 million wildfire‑mitigation grant that had cleared every approval except her signature, telling her his constituents “are not being well served.” Similar complaints had been building in North Carolina, where recovery from Hurricane Helene stalled until senators forced Noem to release long‑delayed funds.
Disaster‑relief experts said they hoped aid would finally move faster after her dismissal. Rafael Lemaitre, a former FEMA official, called the firing “long overdue,” arguing that communities need an agency focused on safety rather than political interference.
Mar 05, 2026 at 07:30 PM EST
DNC chair says Noem’s exit highlights ‘chaos’ inside Trump administration
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin issued a blistering statement following Kristi Noem’s removal as homeland security secretary, calling her departure overdue and emblematic of deeper turmoil within the Trump administration. Martin said Noem’s tenure “was a disaster for the American people,” accusing her of overseeing unconstitutional enforcement tactics that traumatized communities, detained young children, and resulted in the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota.
He also charged that Noem misused public funds, describing DHS under her leadership as a “slush fund” that supported her personal lifestyle rather than public safety. Martin argued that the problems extend far beyond a single official, saying the administration is “in freefall” and that personnel changes alone cannot repair the damage.
Mar 05, 2026 at 07:16 PM EST
DelBene says Noem’s firing is only the start of needed accountability at DHS
Representative Suzan DelBene said Kristi Noem’s removal as homeland security secretary marks a necessary but insufficient step toward restoring safety and oversight at the Department of Homeland Security. In a statement released Thursday, the Washington Democrat said Noem’s tenure was defined by deadly failures, citing the killings of innocent Americans and what she described as violent ICE operations that spread fear in communities across the country.
DelBene said the public has been demanding accountability for months and stressed that “it doesn’t stop with one firing.” She called for stronger legal safeguards and more aggressive congressional oversight to prevent abuses and ensure DHS operates within the law. According to DelBene, meaningful reform will require structural changes, not just a change in leadership.
Mar 05, 2026 at 07:02 PM EST
Rep. Magaziner says Noem’s firing follows a year of ‘dysfunction’ at DHS
Representative Seth Magaziner delivered a sharply critical assessment of Kristi Noem’s tenure after her removal as homeland security secretary, telling Newsweek that the department had “plunged into dysfunction” under her leadership. In an exclusive comment, he accused Noem of overseeing a period marked by deadly enforcement failures, mismanagement, and politically driven decision‑making.
Magaziner pointed to the killings of two American citizens by DHS agents and a series of high‑profile ICE operations that he said terrorized communities rather than targeting individuals with criminal records. He argued that Noem’s enforcement priorities swept up vulnerable people—including veterans, pregnant women, and children with serious illnesses—while failing to impose accountability for agents’ actions.
He also criticized what he described as the erosion of DHS’s core national‑security functions, saying Noem “gutted” cybersecurity and counterterrorism capabilities and mismanaged FEMA during a period of heightened disaster risk. Magaziner further cited no‑bid contracts awarded to Noem's associates as evidence of deeper ethical and operational breakdowns.
Mar 05, 2026 at 06:49 PM EST
Jewish Council for Public Affairs says Noem’s exit doesn’t fix deeper DHS problems
The Jewish Council for Public Affairs said Kristi Noem’s removal as homeland security secretary does little to address what it views as systemic failures inside the Department of Homeland Security. In a statement, CEO Amy Spitalnick argued that Noem oversaw “dangerous policies” but warned that the issues run far deeper than any single official.
Spitalnick said DHS has “militarized immigration enforcement” in ways rooted in dehumanizing conspiracy theories, leading to civilian deaths and repeated violations of U.S. law. She also criticized the department for delaying critical security funding for synagogues and other vulnerable institutions through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, while adding political conditions that she said forced communities to choose between safety and their values.
According to the organization, these problems reflect structural choices rather than individual missteps. Spitalnick said Congress must use its funding and oversight powers to ensure transparency and accountability, regardless of who leads the department, arguing that meaningful reform will require sustained pressure from lawmakers.
Mar 05, 2026 at 06:35 PM EST
Immigrant-rights group says Noem’s firing is ‘bare minimum,’ calls for accountability at DHS
Mi Familia Vota sharply condemned former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s tenure following her removal, arguing that her leadership left a trail of abuses and fear across immigrant communities. In a statement, President and CEO Héctor Sánchez Barba said Noem “leaves DHS in disgrace,” citing deaths in federal custody and the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renée Good by DHS agents. He accused Noem of misleading the public about those incidents and presiding over an enforcement strategy that traumatized families nationwide.
Sánchez Barba said ICE operations under Noem amounted to a “reign of terror,” alleging that raids, detentions, and aggressive tactics left parents afraid to take children to school and sick individuals hesitant to seek emergency care. He argued that Noem not only oversaw these actions but actively championed them, framing her removal as an overdue response to systemic harm.
But the organization stressed that firing Noem does not constitute meaningful reform. Sánchez Barba said the American public deserves a Department of Homeland Security that protects rather than endangers communities, and pledged to closely monitor DHS secretary‑designate Markwayne Mullin. He said the group intends to hold the incoming leader accountable “every single day,” just as it did with Noem, to ensure the department upholds safety, transparency, and respect for civil rights.
Mar 05, 2026 at 06:21 PM EST
Schiff highlights Noem’s contradictory testimony after sudden firing
Senator Adam Schiff pointed to a sharp discrepancy between Kristi Noem’s sworn testimony and her abrupt removal as Homeland Security Secretary, noting that she told lawmakers this week that Trump personally approved a $220 million public‑relations contract awarded to the spouse of her former communications aide.
Mar 05, 2026 at 06:06 PM EST
Senate blocks test vote to fund DHS as shutdown drags on
The Senate failed to advance a procedural vote on a Department of Homeland Security funding measure, prolonging the partial shutdown that has left the agency without full operational authority.
The test vote fell short 51–45, well below the 60 votes needed to move the bill forward, underscoring the deep partisan divide over immigration enforcement and DHS oversight.
Mar 05, 2026 at 05:53 PM EST
Senate could confirm Mullin on party-line vote as DHS scrutiny intensifies
Senator Markwayne Mullin is positioned to win confirmation as the next homeland security secretary with only Republican votes, a shift made possible by the Senate’s simple‑majority threshold for executive nominees. While Democrats could slow the process through procedural maneuvers, they cannot block it outright unless GOP support fractures. Some Republicans may also see the moment as an opportunity to extract concessions or spotlight concerns about the department’s direction.
Traditionally, nominees for major national‑security posts receive broad deference from colleagues, an informal courtesy that smooths the confirmation process. But Mullin may face a tougher path. The Department of Homeland Security is under intense scrutiny following months of controversy, congressional investigations, and public anger over enforcement operations. Senators from both parties have signaled that the next secretary will be expected to answer for the department’s conduct and outline a credible plan to restore stability.
Mar 05, 2026 at 05:40 PM EST
Officials offer blunt assessments of Noem’s tenure after her removal
Reactions from current and former immigration‑enforcement officials paint a sharply mixed picture of Kristi Noem’s leadership following her removal as secretary of homeland security. One current ICE official, speaking anonymously to allow candid comment, told Newsweek he had no personal criticism of Noem but believed she had become a political lightning rod. “I don’t know her that well… I’ve never met her in person, and I just know that she has a target on her back,” he said.
Others were far more direct. Thaddeus Cleveland, the Republican sheriff of Terrell County, Texas, described Noem as “flashy and toxic,” arguing that DHS accomplishments over the past year occurred “in spite of, not because of, her leadership.” He accused her of micromanaging agencies, deploying resources for political rather than operational reasons, and lacking meaningful experience in border or immigration enforcement. Cleveland said DHS now needs a leader capable of managing a sprawling national‑security department amid heightened global instability.
Darius Reeves, who retired in 2025 as an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations field office director in Baltimore, echoed that sentiment. He said Noem’s removal “was coming,” adding that she routinely embarrassed the agencies she oversaw and failed to match the professionalism of her predecessors.
Mar 05, 2026 at 05:27 PM EST
CHIRLA says Noem’s removal must be followed by major DHS reforms
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) welcomed the announcement that Kristi Noem has been removed as Secretary of Homeland Security, calling her departure “long overdue” after what the group described as a tenure marked by chaos, abuses, and a lack of accountability. In a statement from Executive Director Angelica Salas, the Los Angeles–based immigrant‑rights organization said recent congressional hearings underscored systemic failures under Noem’s leadership, including policies that treated immigrant families “as targets rather than human beings.”
Salas said Noem’s exit should be viewed only as an initial step toward repairing the department’s credibility. As President Donald Trump prepares to appoint a new DHS secretary, CHIRLA urged the administration to choose someone committed to lawful, transparent governance and to restoring dignity in the treatment of immigrant and refugee communities. The group called for an end to what it described as a culture of impunity within agencies such as ICE, CBP, and USCIS, arguing that meaningful reform requires stronger oversight and respect for constitutional protections.
CHIRLA emphasized that immigrant communities expect a fundamental shift in approach—one grounded in accountability, transparency, and basic human respect. The organization said the next DHS leader must prioritize safety and fairness over fear‑driven enforcement, noting that trust cannot be rebuilt without structural changes within the department.
Mar 05, 2026 at 05:12 PM EST
What is Markwayne Mullin’s relationship with Trump like?
Senator Markwayne Mullin’s nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security comes after years of cultivating a notably close relationship with President Donald Trump, one that has positioned him as a trusted political ally and behind‑the‑scenes adviser. Mullin was among the Republicans who backed Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen, aligning himself early with the former president’s most loyal faction and reinforcing his standing within Trump’s inner circle.
Inside the Senate, Mullin became known as a conduit between congressional Republicans and the White House. Senate Majority Leader John Thune once described him as a “Senate whisperer” for Trump—someone who could translate legislative realities to the president and, at times, steer his decision‑making. That role expanded during Trump’s 2024 campaign, when Mullin served as a key surrogate tasked with outreach to Indigenous voters in battleground states, a constituency he worked to mobilize through targeted events and messaging.
Mar 05, 2026 at 04:59 PM EST
What to know about Markwayne Mullin’s MMA career
Before entering national politics, Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin built a brief but undefeated career in professional mixed martial arts, a chapter that continues to shape public interest in his background.
Competing between 2006 and 2007, Mullin logged a spotless record—listed as either 5–0 or 3–0 depending on how early regional bouts were recorded—while drawing on a lifetime of wrestling experience and a black belt in Brazilian jiu‑jitsu.
His athletic résumé later earned him induction into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016.
Mar 05, 2026 at 04:46 PM EST
Watchdog group says Noem’s exit won’t fix DHS without policy shift
American Oversight said Kristi Noem’s departure as homeland security secretary does little to address what it describes as a deeper crisis inside the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that the problems stem from White House‑driven policies rather than any single official. In a statement responding to President Donald Trump’s plan to replace Noem with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, Executive Director Chioma Chukwu said the administration’s immigration agenda has relied on “abusive and inhumane tactics” that will continue unless the underlying directives change.
Chukwu warned that a new secretary will inherit agencies already facing scrutiny over detention conditions, civil‑rights concerns, and use‑of‑force incidents. The group said the central issue is not personnel but the policy framework that has shaped DHS operations, describing it as one that prioritizes secrecy and political messaging over transparency and public safety. According to the statement, “swapping out one political appointee for another” will not restore trust without a clear break from practices that have “cost lives and eroded public confidence.”
American Oversight said the public deserves clarity about how DHS policies are being carried out and called for greater accountability as the department transitions to new leadership. The organization, which uses public records requests and litigation to investigate government misconduct, said meaningful reform will require the administration to abandon the approach that has defined its enforcement strategy to date.
Mar 05, 2026 at 04:33 PM EST
Jayapal says Noem’s firing must be followed by structural DHS reform
Representative Pramila Jayapal said Kristi Noem’s removal as homeland security secretary is overdue but insufficient, arguing that Congress should not approve new funding for the Department of Homeland Security until there is clear evidence of major internal reform. In a statement shared with Newsweek, Jayapal said she had called for Noem to be “fired, to resign, or to be impeached,” and described the department under Noem as “lawless,” citing a series of high‑profile controversies that intensified scrutiny of DHS operations.
Jayapal pointed to the deaths of two U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement actions, the detention of children and families, and what she described as the wrongful detention of American citizens as examples of systemic failures. She also referenced reports of 41 deaths in DHS custody and criticized the department’s spending decisions, including multimillion‑dollar advertising campaigns that drew bipartisan concern in Congress. Her statement framed Noem’s departure as a necessary step but emphasized that the underlying issues extend far beyond a single official.
Jayapal said Congress “cannot fund DHS” until there is “real, tangible proof” that the administration is committed to meaningful structural change.
Mar 05, 2026 at 04:23 PM EST
Mullin says DHS nomination is the honor of his career
Senator Markwayne Mullin said his nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security marks the greatest privilege of his 13 years representing Oklahoma in Congress. In a statement, he reflected on his roots in Westville and thanked President Trump for appointing him to lead the department after Kristi Noem’s firing.
Mar 05, 2026 at 04:20 PM EST
Advocacy group says Noem’s removal marks a ‘people-powered victory’
Common Cause is celebrating what it calls a major win for government accountability after the removal of Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, crediting a nationwide grassroots effort that pushed for her ouster. The organization said its “Fire Kristi Noem” campaign mobilized tens of thousands of Americans in response to what it described as a pattern of corruption, misuse of power, and fatal enforcement abuses during Noem’s tenure.
Virginia Kase Solomón, the group’s president and CEO, said Noem’s departure reflects public refusal to accept a department “weaponized against the very people it’s sworn to protect.” She pointed to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during federal operations as emblematic of what the organization views as systemic failures under Noem’s leadership. Common Cause said its campaign gathered nearly 100,000 petition signatures, generated tens of thousands of calls to Congress, and deployed high‑visibility tactics—including digital ads and a mobile billboard near the White House and DHS headquarters—to pressure the administration.
The group stressed that Noem’s firing is only a first step, arguing that DHS remains in crisis and should not receive additional funding until a leader committed to public safety and accountability is in place. Common Cause said it will continue pressing for a moratorium on ICE operations in local communities and for full cooperation with investigations into the Minneapolis shootings that intensified scrutiny of Noem’s leadership.
Mar 05, 2026 at 04:06 PM EST
Newsom criticizes Mullin’s appointment after Noem’s firing
California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Senator Markwayne Mullin as the next Secretary of Homeland Security, pointing to a series of past controversies involving the Oklahoma Republican. In a statement on X, Newsom highlighted several incidents from Mullin’s public record, including a moment in which he appeared unable to recall whether the U.S. was engaged in military conflict, as well as his state’s comparatively high violent‑crime rates.
He also referenced a heated exchange during a Senate hearing in which Mullin confronted union workers and told one to “shut your mouth,” along with a separate hearing where Mullin said, “I don’t want reality” during a discussion on race.
Newsom argued that these episodes raise concerns about Mullin’s temperament and readiness to lead the Department of Homeland Security, calling him “erratic” and “unstable” as he questioned the administration’s judgment in elevating him to the post.
Mar 05, 2026 at 03:52 PM EST
Newsom calls for broader accountability after Noem’s removal
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued one of the strongest reactions yet to the dismissal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, arguing that her firing should mark the beginning—not the end—of a wider reckoning inside the Department of Homeland Security. In a statement, Newsom said Noem would be remembered as “the most shamelessly incompetent and cruel Homeland Security Secretary in U.S. history,” and insisted that removing her from office “is not enough.”
Newsom called for additional scrutiny of senior DHS figures, naming Greg Bovino and White House policy adviser Stephen Miller as officials he believes should also face accountability for what he described as policies that “terrorized and endangered the American people.”
Mar 05, 2026 at 03:38 PM EST
Replacement rumors swirled leading up to Kristi Noem’s ousting
President Donald Trump announced on March 5, 2026, that he will replace Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin at the end of the month, ending a period of mounting controversy and speculation surrounding Noem’s future in the administration. Her removal follows a series of political and operational challenges that had increasingly strained her standing inside the White House.
Noem’s leadership had come under scrutiny on several fronts. Senior officials were reportedly frustrated with what they viewed as slow progress on expanding detention capacity, a key priority of the administration’s immigration agenda. Her position weakened further after two days of contentious congressional hearings, where lawmakers from both parties pressed her on a $220 million taxpayer‑funded advertising campaign that prominently featured her and bypassed standard contracting procedures.
The turbulence was compounded by persistent rumors about an alleged relationship between Noem and longtime adviser Corey Lewandowski—claims both have denied but which nonetheless created political discomfort for the White House. Internally, aides, including Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, were said to be pushing for a leadership change, with former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin briefly considered as a possible successor.
Despite public assurances from the White House in late 2025 that Noem’s job was secure, speculation continued to build until her removal was formally announced in early March. Trump said Noem will transition into a new diplomatic role as special envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a hemispheric security initiative launching this month. Mullin, a Republican senator and member of the Cherokee Nation, will take over DHS on March 31 as the administration seeks to reset its approach to immigration enforcement and internal management.
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Mar 05, 2026 at 03:28 PM EST
Mullin says DHS nomination was only ‘a little bit of a surprise’
Senator Markwayne Mullin said his selection to lead the Department of Homeland Security was not entirely unexpected, though the timing caught him off guard. Speaking with reporters at the Capitol, the Oklahoma Republican said he had long maintained a close relationship with President Donald Trump, describing the two as “great friends” and expressing enthusiasm about joining the cabinet.
Mullin also emphasized his personal regard for outgoing Secretary Kristi Noem, calling her “a friend” and noting he had not yet spoken with her since the announcement. He defended her performance, saying she was handed an extraordinarily difficult portfolio and “performed the best she can do” under the circumstances.
Mar 05, 2026 at 03:24 PM EST
Schumer and Warren say Noem’s firing exposes deeper problems at DHS
Senate Democratic leaders reacted sharply to the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, arguing that her dismissal highlights broader concerns about the Department of Homeland Security’s conduct and the administration’s handling of immigration enforcement. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Noem’s exit should not be seen as a resolution to the controversies surrounding DHS, calling her departure overdue but emphasizing that “the problems at DHS go much deeper than any one person.” He urged the administration to rein in Immigration and Customs Enforcement and address what he described as ongoing violence tied to federal enforcement operations.
Senator Elizabeth Warren focused on the circumstances surrounding Noem’s firing, pointing to the scrutiny she faced over a more than $200 million advertising campaign that prominently featured her. Warren questioned why the president acted only after Noem’s testimony about the ads, noting that he did not intervene following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens during immigration operations in Minneapolis.
Mar 05, 2026 at 03:10 PM EST
Noem accused of steering ICE contract as Trump announces her exit
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem personally selected the firms behind a $100 million Immigration and Customs Enforcement recruitment campaign, bypassing the competitive bidding process normally required for federal contracts, according to internal communications and three administration officials. The documents show Noem and her aides pushed the work to two politically connected companies despite warnings from career staff that other bidders could do the job for less.
In one August exchange, then–ICE deputy chief of staff Madison Sheahan reprimanded an employee for suggesting alternative contractors, telling him the award was “a decision made by the secretary,” according to internal messages. The employee was later called into Sheahan’s office and scolded for “overriding” Noem before ultimately agreeing to direct the contract to the firms she favored, officials said. The campaign, launched in late fall, aimed to hire 10,000 new ICE officers through targeted ads, hiring events, and outreach to veterans and gun owners.
A DHS spokesperson said the ICE director’s office made the contracting decisions and that the approach allowed the agency to quickly expand its workforce. But the officials familiar with the process said acting ICE Director Todd Lyons was not involved and that the directive originated with Noem.
The revelations come as Noem’s standing in the administration had already eroded following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens during immigration operations in Minneapolis, tensions with the U.S. Coast Guard, and testimony this week that angered President Donald Trump. On Thursday, Trump announced she would step down on March 31 and transition to a new diplomatic role as special envoy for the administration’s “Shield of the Americas” initiative. He named Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin as her successor.
Noem also faced bipartisan scrutiny over a separate $220 million ad campaign that prominently featured her. She told lawmakers the president approved the ads, but Trump told Reuters he “never knew anything about it,” deepening questions about her management of DHS and the political messaging efforts she oversaw.
Mar 05, 2026 at 03:05 PM EST
Noem embraces new envoy role after sudden DHS exit firing
Kristi Noem publicly welcomed her reassignment to a newly created diplomatic post on Thursday, thanking President Donald Trump for appointing her as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas and highlighting what she described as major achievements during her 13‑month tenure leading the Department of Homeland Security. Her statement marked her first response since Trump announced he would replace her with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin at the end of the month.
Noem framed the envoy position as a continuation of her national‑security work, saying the Western Hemisphere is “critical for U.S. security” and that she plans to work closely with senior administration officials on efforts to disrupt narcotics trafficking networks. She cast her time at DHS as a period of historic progress, citing border enforcement metrics, deportation figures, child‑location efforts, and disaster‑relief timelines, as well as internal cost‑saving measures and Coast Guard modernization.
Mar 05, 2026 at 02:57 PM EST
Noem avoids any mention of firing in Nashville appearance
Kristi Noem spoke for more than 20 minutes at a Nashville law‑enforcement conference on Thursday, delivering a full policy‑focused address even as news of her removal as Homeland Security Secretary was breaking in real time. Appearing before the Sergeant Benevolent Association’s Major Cities Conference, she made no reference to Trump’s decision to replace her at the end of the month. Audience members who later posed questions also avoided the topic, creating a striking disconnect between the unfolding political moment and the event inside the room.
Noem instead discussed immigration enforcement, federal‑state cooperation, and grant funding, speaking as though she remained firmly in her role. When asked about future support for law‑enforcement agencies, she pointed to DHS terrorism‑related grants and suggested she would continue facilitating access to them. “Maybe what I’ll do is I will forward those grant opportunities to all of you so that you can share them with your departments,” she said, offering guidance that implied continuity rather than imminent departure.
Mar 05, 2026 at 02:56 PM EST
California Sen. Ted Lieu says public pressure helped force Noem’s removal
California Senator Ted Lieu said Wednesday that public protest and congressional oversight played a decisive role in President Donald Trump’s decision to remove Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. In a statement, Lieu thanked demonstrators who documented what he described as “horrific abuses” carried out by masked DHS agents under Noem’s leadership, arguing that their recordings helped expose misconduct that might otherwise have remained hidden.
Lieu pointed to two high‑profile oversight hearings held this week by the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, where lawmakers from both parties pressed Noem on allegations of excessive force, mismanagement, and misuse of federal authority. He said the testimony and evidence presented during those sessions revealed a pattern of “corruption and abuse of power,” culminating in Trump’s decision to dismiss her from the post.
Mar 05, 2026 at 02:43 PM EST
What is the Shield of the Americas?
The Shield of the Americas is the Trump administration’s new hemispheric security initiative, created as part of a broader effort to reshape U.S. engagement in Latin America. The administration has made the Western Hemisphere a central foreign‑policy priority, framing the region as part of the United States’ “immediate sphere of influence” and elevating an “Americas First” approach. The initiative emerges at a moment when the administration has withdrawn from several regional organizations and postponed the traditional Summit of the Americas, signaling a shift away from large multilateral forums toward smaller, ideologically aligned partnerships.
The Shield of the Americas is being launched through a summit in Miami with a select group of right‑leaning Latin American leaders. The document notes that those invited represent “the recent right‑ward shift in the region,” and the administration sees them as reliable partners for advancing U.S. interests. This approach fits into the administration’s “Enlist and Expand” strategy, which focuses on partnering with like‑minded governments to counter Chinese influence, secure trade and investment opportunities, and pressure other countries to join a U.S.‑led bloc. The initiative is therefore designed not as a broad hemispheric coalition but as a curated alliance of governments aligned with Washington’s geopolitical and ideological goals.
Critics argue that the strategy is short‑sighted. The document warns that relying on personal or ideological alignment between leaders risks undermining long‑term relationships, especially in democracies where political power shifts frequently. It points to past examples, such as U.S.–Argentina relations, where close ties under one administration gave way to hostility under another. The text also notes that Trump’s approach has already triggered nationalist backlash in countries like Brazil and Canada, complicating U.S. influence rather than strengthening it. These patterns raise concerns that the Shield of the Americas could generate similar resistance and weaken U.S. standing over time.
The initiative also enters an already crowded landscape of regional organizations. The document highlights that more than 40 multilateral bodies operate in the Americas, creating opportunities for governments to “forum shop” for institutions that match their political preferences. Adding another ideologically driven alliance risks further fragmentation and reduces the ability of any single body to address collective challenges such as migration, security, or economic instability. The creation of ad hoc groups without mechanisms for long‑term coordination, the document argues, can undermine regional integration rather than strengthen it.
Mar 05, 2026 at 02:35 PM EST
FEMA staff describe ‘relief’ after Noem’s departure
A Federal Emergency Management Agency official said morale inside the agency has lifted following the announcement that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will leave her post at the end of March. Speaking to Newsweek's Leonardo Feldman, the FEMA source said Noem’s tenure brought added layers of bureaucracy that slowed internal operations, describing the environment as burdened by “more bureaucratic” processes and “a lot of red tape.”
According to the official, Noem’s exit is widely viewed inside FEMA as “a breath of relief,” with employees hoping the agency will receive the same level of attention and resources that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has enjoyed under the administration. The comments reflect broader tensions within the Department of Homeland Security, where different components have experienced uneven levels of support and visibility during Noem’s leadership.
Mar 05, 2026 at 02:33 PM EST
Mullin says he spoke with Trump after DHS announcement
Senator Markwayne Mullin said Thursday that he is still coordinating directly with President Donald Trump following the announcement that he will replace Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. Speaking briefly with reporters, Mullin emphasized that he and the president “still got to communicate” as the transition begins, adding that they would “get on the same page and do the things we need to do.”
Mullin confirmed that he and Trump had already discussed the decision before the White House released its statement, though he suggested the news reached him only moments before it became public. “Yeah, the president and I already talked. Obviously. The statement already went out,” he said. “But we need to talk with the president… and we’re going to get on the same page.”
He added that he learned of his appointment “a little before you guys did."
Mar 05, 2026 at 02:30 PM EST
What to know about Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s Cherokee background
Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has become the first tribal citizen to serve in the U.S. Senate in nearly 20 years — a milestone that has drawn national attention even as Mullin himself says his identity was simply part of everyday life growing up in rural Oklahoma. Raised in Westville, a majority‑Native community within the Cherokee Nation’s jurisdiction, Mullin has often described his upbringing on his family’s ranch as inseparable from Cherokee culture and community life.
Mullin has spoken publicly about receiving care at Hastings Indian Hospital, noting that his early experiences with tribal health care shaped his understanding of the challenges facing Native communities. Those experiences now inform his work on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, where he frequently stresses the importance of tribal sovereignty and prioritizing the needs of “Indian Country.”
Mar 05, 2026 at 02:24 PM EST
Hakeem Jeffries says Noem’s removal should be the start of broader accountability
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reacted sharply to Kristi Noem’s dismissal as homeland security secretary, framing her ouster as the result of mounting public pressure and congressional oversight.
In a brief statement on X, Jeffries said, “Kristi Noem is gone. Pam Bondi is next. Keep the pressure on these extremists."
Mar 05, 2026 at 02:21 PM EST
What is Kristi Noem’s new job?
Trump is replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and appointing her to a newly created diplomatic post as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a security initiative centered on the Western Hemisphere.
The change, effective March 5, 2026, marks the end of Noem’s tenure leading the Department of Homeland Security and the beginning of a role focused on regional coordination and security partnerships.
Mar 05, 2026 at 02:16 PM EST
Trump says he didn’t approve $220 million DHS ad campaign featuring Noem
President Donald Trump said he was unaware of a $220 million border‑security advertising campaign that prominently featured Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, telling Reuters he “never knew anything about it” as the controversy intensified on Capitol Hill. The remarks directly undercut Noem’s testimony this week, in which she told lawmakers the president had approved the nationwide ads in advance.
Noem faced bipartisan criticism during two days of hearings, where senators and representatives questioned why the contract was awarded to a small group of firms—two of them tied to longtime Republican operatives—without a standard competitive bidding process. One company, Safe America Media, was incorporated just a week before receiving a $143 million award, while Louisiana‑based People Who Think secured $77 million.
The ads showcased Noem in highly produced scenes, including footage of her on horseback at Mount Rushmore. Lawmakers pressed her on whether the campaign blurred the line between public messaging and political promotion, especially as she has become a central figure in Trump’s immigration crackdown.
Mar 05, 2026 at 02:11 PM EST
What to know about Markwayne Mullin?
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Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Republican and enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has been nominated to serve as the next U.S. secretary of homeland security, marking a rapid rise for a lawmaker who entered Congress just over a decade ago. Mullin, born in Tulsa in 1977, has served as Oklahoma’s junior senator since 2023 after winning the 2022 special election to complete former Sen. Jim Inhofe’s term.
Before entering politics, Mullin took over his family’s plumbing business at age 20 and later expanded into multiple companies, eventually reporting assets ranging from $31.6 million to $75.6 million by 2021. He represented Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District from 2013 to 2023, winning multiple reelection campaigns and building a profile as a staunch conservative aligned with Donald Trump.
Mullin’s tenure in Congress has included high‑visibility moments, from helping barricade the House chamber during the January 6 attack to a series of heated confrontations with Teamsters president Sean O’Brien during Senate hearings. He has also backed major Trump‑era legislation, including the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which cut Medicaid funding and added work requirements.
Mar 05, 2026 at 02:05 PM EST
Noem denies blocking DHS watchdog as inspector general details repeated obstruction
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Wednesday rejected accusations that she and her senior aides had “systematically obstructed” the work of the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general, pushing back during a tense House Judiciary Committee hearing. Noem insisted that Inspector General Joseph Cuffari “can have access to anything” within DHS, arguing that he had failed to provide the required scoping memos for his investigations. “He wants unfettered access to every single thing in the department, and that’s not the process,” she said.
Cuffari, in a letter sent this week to leaders of three congressional committees, alleged that DHS had repeatedly blocked or revoked his office’s access to key databases and information systems, hindering audits and even a criminal inquiry initiated by another federal agency. His office publicly disputed Noem’s claims, saying it has long provided formal notices outlining the scope and objectives of its probes and that it is legally entitled to access all DHS records relevant to its oversight work.
The watchdog detailed 11 clashes with Noem’s leadership, including refusals by Customs and Border Protection, the Transportation Security Administration, and other DHS components to grant access to systems containing data on border crossings, arrests, immigration enforcement operations, and threat intelligence. In one case, he said DHS leaders attempted to condition access to a criminal‑investigation database on inspectors sharing sensitive details with individuals who could be connected to the allegations under review.
Cuffari said he attempted to resolve the disputes internally, but negotiations stalled in January when DHS General Counsel James Percival argued that the inspector general’s requests were overly broad and warned that taking concerns to Congress would be seen as acting “in bad faith.”
The conflict has drawn bipartisan attention. During a Senate hearing this week, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis held up Cuffari’s letter as he sharply criticized Noem, calling the alleged obstruction “a failure of leadership” and renewing calls for her resignation. The dispute comes as Noem faces mounting scrutiny over DHS operations, including audits of use‑of‑force investigations and citizenship‑verification procedures, and amid broader concerns about the Trump administration’s treatment of independent watchdogs.
Mar 05, 2026 at 02:00 PM EST
Mullin said he had no contact with Trump shortly before his DHS appointment
Less than an hour before President Donald Trump announced him as the next Secretary of Homeland Security, Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin told reporters he had not spoken with the president this week and would not engage in questions about potential changes at the department.
Mar 05, 2026 at 01:57 PM EST
Trump names Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace Kristi Noem at DHS
President Donald Trump announced that Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin will become the next Secretary of Homeland Security, elevating the first‑term senator to one of the administration’s most powerful national security posts. Mullin will take over on March 31, 2026, as Kristi Noem departs the department to serve as special envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a new Western Hemisphere security initiative the White House plans to unveil this weekend.
In his announcement, Trump praised Mullin’s decade in the House, three years in the Senate, and his background as the chamber’s only Native American member. He also highlighted Mullin’s past as a professional mixed‑martial‑arts fighter and his alignment with the administration’s immigration and border‑security agenda.
Noem, who has faced months of scrutiny over DHS operations and her handling of high‑profile controversies, will shift into a diplomatic role after what Trump described as “spectacular results” at the department. Her exit marks a significant reshuffling inside the administration as it prepares to launch its new regional security framework.
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