Kristi Noem Removed as Homeland Security Secretary By President Trump, Taps Markwayne Mullin as Replacement
By Space Coast Daily // March 5, 2026
Noem, 54, had been leading DHS since the start of Trump’s second term
WASHINGTON, DC — President Donald Trump has removed Kristi Noem from her post as secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ending a controversial tenure that had come under intense scrutiny following contentious congressional hearings and mounting political pressure.
Trump announced the move on Wednesday, saying he plans to nominate Markwayne Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, to lead the agency. Until a replacement is confirmed, Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar is expected to serve in an acting capacity.
The White House has not yet released details on the timeline for Mullin’s nomination, but confirmation hearings in the Senate are expected if he is formally selected.
If confirmed, Mullin would inherit an agency responsible for border security, immigration enforcement, disaster response, and national counterterrorism coordination — all areas that have remained at the center of intense political debate.
The sudden shake-up follows a week of heated testimony before members of both the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, where lawmakers sharply questioned Noem over immigration enforcement, internal agency decisions, and a controversial advertising contract.
During the hearings, senators and representatives grilled Noem about a taxpayer-funded advertising campaign tied to a subcontractor reportedly connected to individuals within her political circle. Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana pressed the former secretary on whether the president had approved the contract.
According to reports, Trump was angered by Noem’s suggestion during questioning that he had personally signed off on the deal. The episode reportedly contributed to growing frustration within the administration about her performance during the hearings.
Lawmakers also clashed with Noem over immigration enforcement policies and allegations surrounding her leadership style.
In one of the most contentious exchanges, Democratic Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California asked Noem about rumors involving Corey Lewandowski, a longtime Trump political adviser who had served as a special government employee at DHS. Noem forcefully rejected the line of questioning, calling it “offensive.”
Florida Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz also pressed the issue during the hearing, urging Noem to deny the rumors on the record. The exchange escalated as Noem criticized what she described as “tabloid-style” attacks.
“The socialist, liberal left goes off and attacks conservative women,” Noem said during the hearing, adding that she would not tolerate what she described as personal smears.
Noem, 54, had been leading DHS since the start of Trump’s second term. Her tenure marked a dramatic shift from the policies of former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who served during the administration of former President Joe Biden.
Under Noem’s leadership, the administration pursued an aggressive immigration crackdown that officials said resulted in a sharp drop in illegal border crossings and large-scale deportation operations.
Administration officials reported that more than 670,000 undocumented immigrants were removed during 2025, while roughly two million others left the country voluntarily amid increased enforcement efforts.
The department also highlighted record drug seizures during her tenure, reporting more than 500,000 pounds of illegal narcotics intercepted at or near U.S. borders.
Supporters within the Republican Party praised the results, arguing the agency had reversed what they viewed as lax enforcement policies under the previous administration.
Despite support from some Republicans, Noem’s leadership faced sustained criticism from Democrats and immigration advocates.
