President Donald Trump Fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

President Donald Trump announced the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and said he would nominate Senator Markwayne Mullin (R‑Okla.) as her replacement.

“One of the most divisive cabinet officials in history is out of her job”

Advocate

Al Jazeera reports that Trump said Noem will be reassigned as a special envoy for a new Western Hemisphere security initiative called the 'Shield of the Americas'.

Advocate

The Jerusalem Post states that President Donald Trump announced Noem will leave the post and be reassigned as 'Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,' and that Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) will become DHS secretary effective March 31, 2026.

CNBC notes Trump announced the move on Truth Social and quotes him as saying he 'fired' Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and tapped Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as her replacement.

Time summarized the announcement as saying Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin has been chosen as his next Secretary of Homeland Security.

The move capped a turbulent and controversial tenure for Noem marked by aggressive immigration enforcement, high-profile operations that drew protests and legal challenges, and questions about spending and contracts.

WGBH summarized her time in office as a turbulent tenure marked by aggressive immigration enforcement that sparked protests, lawsuits and bipartisan criticism.

Al Jazeera

The Jerusalem Post described Noem as a 'high-profile architect of Trump's hardline immigration crackdown.'

The Jerusalem Post also noted criticism after she quickly labeled two U.S. citizens fatally shot by federal agents as 'domestic terrorism', a claim the outlet said was later undercut by video.

The Australian tied her ouster to those controversies and the broader DHS funding fight, saying the firing came amid a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown and that Democrats said they would block any new DHS funding unless major reforms to ICE were enacted.

NODAL reported the dismissal came amid public backlash over the White House's mass deportation efforts and allegations she misused public funds.

Democrats and progressive activists said Noem’s removal did not address the policy and oversight demands driving the funding standoff.

“El presidente Donald Trump anunció este jueves la destitución de Kristi Noem como secretaria del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de Estados Unidos, en medio de semanas de críticas por su gestión y de múltiples controversias vinculadas a las operaciones migratorias del gobierno federal”

Clarin

Lawmakers indicated they would continue pushing for reforms and investigations.

CNBC reported that 'Democrats said the change won’t break a DHS funding standoff that began Feb. 14, arguing they need firm assurances of reforms to ICE and CBP behavior before funding is restored.'

CNBC quoted Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse saying Noem’s exit 'not one bit' changes their position.

NBC News said Democrats are pressing for a 'reckoning' including probes into contracts and testimony from Noem’s tenure.

NBC News wrote, 'They’re calling for investigations into potentially illegal contracts awarded during her tenure, a perjury probe over her congressional testimony, and some even pushing impeachment to bar her from future office.'

Time noted, 'Once formally nominated, Mullin will face Senate confirmation hearings.'

WGBH noted, 'he must be Senate-confirmed but could serve as acting secretary while his nomination is pending.'

Senator Markwayne Mullin’s background and policy record shaped immediate expectations about how DHS might be run under him.

The Guardian described Mullin as 'a hardline immigration hawk whose record mirrors Trump’s: he co-sponsored the Laken Riley Act to require ICE detention for undocumented immigrants charged with theft or burglary, has defended ICE, attacked sanctuary cities, and framed mass deportation as a legal duty.'

CNBC

The New York Times summarized his unconventional personal history and rise from business to politics, saying 'Mullin, 48, has an unconventional background: he hosted a home-improvement radio show, fought in cage matches, and inherited a plumbing business.'

Time described him as 'Mullin, 48, is a first-term senator and a former mixed martial arts fighter.'

The Daily Caller reported Mullin’s own framing of his priorities and his close relationship with President Trump, saying 'Mullin said his priority will be getting the Department of Homeland Security working for the American people, and he described himself as close to President Trump, who praised him on Truth Social as a MAGA Warrior who supports an America First agenda.'

Observers flagged broader questions about the administration’s direction on immigration and whether Noem’s reassignment signals policy continuity or a course correction.

“Friday, March 6, 2026 Friday, March 6, 2026 Friday, March 6, 2026 Global Friday, March 6, 2026 - 11:50 Global AFP The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced on Thursday the dismissal of the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, one of the leading figures in the government's offensive against immigration”

ContraRéplica

The Jerusalem Post noted the change 'raises questions about whether the administration will double down on mass deportations or shift to a more targeted enforcement approach; White House aide Stephen Miller remains the principal architect of immigration policy.'

ContraRéplica

NBC News highlighted that Democrats want oversight and potential accountability for Noem’s tenure, reporting 'They’re calling for investigations into potentially illegal contracts awarded during her tenure, a perjury probe over her congressional testimony, and some even pushing impeachment to bar her from future office.'

The Australian emphasized the political context driving demands for DHS reform, reporting 'Democrats say they will block any new DHS funding unless major reforms to ICE are enacted.'

WGBH also flagged the practical transition detail that Mullin 'must be Senate-confirmed but could serve as acting secretary while his nomination is pending,' underscoring how the personnel change intersects with the funding fight and oversight battles.