US President Donald Trump has fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The move comes amid criticism over strict immigration policies and mass deportations. Trump announced the decision on Truth Social. He said Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin will replace her. Mullin will take charge of the Department of Homeland Security starting March 31.
Trump Announces Removal Of Kristi Noem From Homeland Security
President Donald Trump said Kristi Noem had “served us well” during her time as homeland security secretary and credited her with achieving “numerous spectacular results.” Despite the praise, Trump confirmed she would no longer continue in the role. Instead, he said Noem would move to a new position as “special envoy for the shield of the Americas.” The administration did not immediately explain what responsibilities the new role will involve.
The Department of Homeland Security is one of the largest agencies in the US government. It oversees border security, immigration enforcement, disaster response, and national security coordination. The department also manages agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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During her tenure, Noem played a key role in implementing the administration’s immigration agenda, including deportation operations. Trump also named Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin as her replacement, calling him “highly respected.” Mullin is expected to take charge of the department on March 31.
Pressure Mounts Over Immigration Crackdown
The removal of Kristi Noem comes after increasing criticism over the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy. In recent months, the White House has pushed forward aggressive deportation measures as part of its broader effort to reduce illegal immigration.
These policies have included large-scale deportation operations targeting undocumented migrants across several US states. Immigration authorities have conducted raids and arrests in multiple cities, leading to thousands of deportations.
Supporters of the administration argue that the policies are necessary to strengthen border security and enforce existing immigration laws. They say strict enforcement helps prevent illegal crossings and protects national security.
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However, critics have strongly opposed the approach, describing it as harsh and excessive. Advocacy groups and some lawmakers have raised concerns about the treatment of migrants during enforcement operations.
Public protests and legal challenges have also emerged in response to the policies. Several immigration rights organizations have accused the administration of using overly aggressive tactics that could harm families and communities.
As homeland security secretary, Noem became one of the main figures associated with these enforcement efforts. Her leadership of the deportation program placed her at the center of the national debate over immigration policy.
In recent weeks, calls for her removal had grown louder. Critics argued that the administration needed new leadership at the Department of Homeland Security as tensions over immigration continued to rise.
Markwayne Mullin Selected To Lead Homeland Security
Following the dismissal of Kristi Noem, President Donald Trump nominated Senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma, currently serves in the US Senate and previously represented the state in the House of Representatives.
During his time in Congress, Mullin has supported stronger border security and stricter immigration enforcement. He has often backed the administration’s approach to immigration control and border management.
Trump’s decision to nominate Mullin signals that the administration plans to continue focusing heavily on border security and immigration enforcement policies.
If confirmed, Mullin will lead one of the largest departments in the US government. The Department of Homeland Security oversees border protection, immigration enforcement, cybersecurity operations, and disaster response. It also coordinates national security efforts through agencies such as Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
According to Trump’s announcement, Mullin is expected to take charge of the department on March 31. The leadership change comes as immigration enforcement remains a major policy focus for the administration across the United States.