Trending Now - Trump Replaces Noem With Mullin as DHS Chief Amid Controversy

WHO:

President Donald Trump

Kristi Noem, former Secretary of Homeland Security

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., nominated to replace Noem

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., supporter of Mullin's nomination

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., critical of Noem and Mullin

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, expressed respect for Mullin

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., questioned Noem during hearings

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., questioned Noem about the ad campaign

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., supportive of Mullin's appointment

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., critical of Noem's tenure

Teamsters President Sean O’Brien, praised Mullin

Vermont Democratic Sen. Peter Welch, supportive of Mullin

WHAT:

Trump announced the firing of Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security on March 5, 2026.

Markwayne Mullin was nominated to replace Noem.

Noem will serve as the special envoy for the Shield of the Americas.

Noem's last day as DHS Secretary will be March 31, 2026.

A $220 million advertising campaign featuring Noem was a point of controversy.

Noem faced bipartisan criticism during congressional hearings regarding her handling of immigration enforcement and the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by federal agents.

Mullin stated he is "super excited" about the opportunity and aims to "keep the homeland secure."

WHERE:

The announcement was made in Washington, D.C.

The congressional hearings took place on Capitol Hill.

The Shield of the Americas initiative is focused on the Western Hemisphere.

WHEN:

Noem was confirmed as DHS Secretary on January 25, 2025.

Trump announced Noem's firing on March 5, 2026.

Mullin's nomination was announced on March 5, 2026.

Noem's last day in office is set for March 31, 2026.

WHY:

Noem's removal followed a series of controversies, including her handling of immigration enforcement and the $220 million ad campaign.

Trump was reportedly unhappy with Noem's testimony regarding the ad campaign and her assertion that he had approved it, which he denied.

HOW:

Trump communicated his decision via social media.

Noem faced questioning from lawmakers during two days of congressional hearings.

Mullin expressed his intent to earn votes from both parties for his confirmation.

On March 5, 2026, President Trump announced the firing of Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, following a series of controversies surrounding her handling of immigration enforcement and a $220 million advertising campaign. Markwayne Mullin has been nominated to replace Noem, who will transition to serve as the special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, with her last day in office set for March 31. During congressional hearings on Capitol Hill, Noem faced bipartisan criticism, particularly regarding the deaths of two U.S. citizens by federal agents. Mullin expressed his excitement about the new role, stating his commitment to keeping the homeland secure and aiming to earn support from both parties for his confirmation. The announcement was made in Washington, D.C., where lawmakers, including Sen. John Fetterman and Rep. Byron Donalds, voiced their positions on Mullin's nomination.