President Donald Trump Fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Names Sen. Markwayne Mullin

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he has fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

“President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he was replacing Kristi Noem as the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with Republican Oklahoma Sen”

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He named U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) to become Secretary of Homeland Security effective March 31, 2026.

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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.

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.

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

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.

Some outlets highlighted Mullin’s personal biography as part of the announcement.

“President Donald Trump's plans to nominate Republican Sen”

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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."

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.

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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.

Politically, the dismissal is notable as the first cabinet firing since Trump’s current administration took office.

“President Trump has fired Noem, making her the first member of his cabinet to be dismissed since he took office”

The Australian

The dismissal comes amid internal management and oversight questions at DHS.

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The Australian compared it to last year’s removal of the national security adviser.

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.