USA05 March, 20262 min read
President Donald Trump Fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Names Sen. Markwayne Mullin
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
President Donald Trump dismissed Kristi Noem as Department of Homeland Security secretary. President Donald Trump named Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her as DHS secretary.
Homeland Security leadership change
President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he has fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) will become Secretary of Homeland Security effective March 31, 2026, replacing Kristi Noem.”
He named U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) to become Secretary of Homeland Security effective March 31, 2026.
The White House said Noem will be reassigned to a new role as Envoy or Special Envoy for 'The Shield of the Americas'.
The administration framed the move as a personnel change and stressed continuity on border issues.
Trump said Noem 'served us well'.
Officials described her departure as the result of leadership failures.
Noem posted a social-media defense of her record.
Mullin pick and priorities
Sen. Markwayne Mullin was touted by Trump and GOP allies as a hardline, border-focused choice.
Trump lauded Mullin on Truth Social as "a MAGA Warrior" who understands the "America First" agenda.
Announcing outlets highlighted Mullin's decade in the House and three years in the Senate, his status as the only Native American senator, and his background as a former undefeated professional MMA fighter.
The administration said Mullin will prioritize tightening border security and countering migrant crime and illegal drugs.
Mullin biography and pledge
Some outlets highlighted Mullin’s personal biography as part of the announcement. Reporting noted he is a 48-year-old Oklahoma native who left college to help run his family’s plumbing business. Reports said he later earned an associate’s degree.
They noted he was honored by the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. They reported he had a brief undefeated professional MMA career in 2006–2007. Administration and campaign accounts emphasized Mullin’s close relationship with Trump and his pledge to make DHS "work for the American people."
Democrats' response to DHS
The move triggered immediate and sharp criticism from Democrats and renewed scrutiny of DHS operations amid broader controversy.
Critics demanded investigations and major changes at DHS, citing allegations including detainee deaths, surveillance of Americans, and an expensive 'luxury' jet purchase.
Rep. Jamie Raskin called for a 'cleaning of the house,' Rep. Ted Lieu promised probes, Sen. Richard Blumenthal said he'll investigate Noem's sworn testimony, and Rep. Delia Ramirez urged impeachment and dismantling of DHS.
Congressional Democrats have previously withheld funding and imposed enforcement restrictions that contributed to a partial DHS shutdown.
Some have signaled they will oppose any new DHS funding until major ICE reforms are made.
Cabinet dismissal context
Politically, the dismissal is notable as the first cabinet firing since Trump’s current administration took office. The dismissal comes amid internal management and oversight questions at DHS. The Australian compared it to last year’s removal of the national security adviser.
“President Trump has fired Noem, the first cabinet member dismissed since he took office, following last year’s removal of his former national security adviser, Mike Waltz, over a Signal chat that shared sensitive information.”
Reporting emphasizes that Mullin’s appointment must still clear the Senate confirmation process. Observers flagged the administration’s effort to rebrand Noem into a hemispheric envoy role. Observers also flagged the likelihood of continued congressional conflict over DHS funding, oversight and policy direction under Mullin.