US President Donald Trump has dismissed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following months of controversy surrounding the shooting of two US citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis.
Trump announced late on Thursday via social media that Noem would be replaced by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin by the end of the month.
Noem had emerged as one of Trump’s most high-profile Cabinet secretaries, frequently using social media to portray immigration as a major threat to the country.
Her removal comes amid growing public backlash against the administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown, which many citizens believe has spiralled out of control.
Upon learning of her dismissal, Noem posted on X, “We have made historic accomplishments at the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again.”
Noem became a lightning rod for controversy on two major fronts: her staunch and highly visible anti-immigration stance and a $220 million advertising campaign that prominently featured her and was awarded to two long-time Republican operatives without a competitive bidding process.
Noem is the first Senate-confirmed member of Trump’s current Cabinet to be removed this term. During his first presidency (2017–2021), he dismissed 14 confirmed Cabinet members.
In a follow-up Truth Social post, Trump stated that Noem would be appointed as envoy to a planned summit in Miami to advance his Western Hemisphere policies.
Shortly afterwards, Noem was seen speaking at a law enforcement event in Tennessee for nearly an hour, without addressing her departure.
Trump’s immigration policies have lost significant public support as federal agents detained US citizens and used tear gas on streets in pursuit of deportations—falling short of the administration’s goal of 1 million removals per year.
While Noem, 54, served as a vocal champion of Trump’s agenda, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller—a long-time Trump adviser—continues to exert primary control over immigration policy.
