USA05 March, 20262 min read
Trump fires Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem after two protesters die in Minneapolis
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Donald Trump fired Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin will replace her, taking office March 31.
DHS leadership change
President Trump announced a shake-up at the Department of Homeland Security, firing Secretary Kristi Noem, naming Markwayne Mullin as her replacement, and reassigning Noem to a new Western Hemisphere post.
“President Trump announced a shake-up at the Department of Homeland Security: Rep. Markwayne Mullin said on social media Thursday that he has been tapped to replace DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, two days after Noem endured sharp questioning at congressional hearings.”
WHYY reports that "Rep. Markwayne Mullin has been tapped to replace DHS Secretary Kristi Noem."
Le Figaro states: "President Donald Trump has fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, announcing on Truth Social that she will be replaced by pro-Trump Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma."
l'Opinion reports that "President Donald Trump announced he has dismissed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, naming Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin as her replacement effective March 31."
The sources disagree on Mullin's title, with WHYY using "Rep." while Le Figaro and l'Opinion call him "Senator."
Noem removal context
The move followed intense scrutiny of Noem’s stewardship at congressional hearings. It came two days after the shooting deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis by immigration officers. Many accounts link those incidents and testimony to her removal.
WHYY notes the timing, saying Noem’s replacement was announced "two days after Noem endured sharp questioning at congressional hearings." Le Figaro says criticisms "intensified after contentious Senate hearings." l'Opinion connects the decision to "tense congressional hearings following the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis."
Noem advertising controversy
A major flashpoint was a $220 million advertising campaign Noem authorized urging undocumented migrants to leave the U.S., which drew bipartisan criticism and reportedly surprised President Trump. WHYY highlighted the campaign and President Trump's denial that he had signed off, noting lawmakers criticized her handling including a $220 million ad urging people in the country illegally to leave.
“Lawmakers of both parties criticized her recent handling of immigration policy — including a $220 million ad campaign urging people in the country illegally to leave (which Trump said he did not sign off on) — as well as spending of congressional funds, the response after the shooting deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis by immigration officers, and delays in emergency disaster funding.”
Le Figaro framed it as a costly campaign urging migrants to 'leave immediately'. l'Opinion emphasized that it was 'a $220 million advertising campaign she authorized - a campaign she personally appeared in'.
Criticism of Noem tenure
Criticism of Noem extended beyond the ad campaign to claims of heavy-handed enforcement, budgetary concerns, and internal White House friction. l'Opinion reports Democrats, including Senator Dick Durbin, accused Homeland Security of 'heavy-handed, racially biased enforcement'.
WHYY says her tenure was marked by 'aggressive immigration enforcement' that prompted protests and lawsuits. Le Figaro cites internal advisers who argued Noem and close aide Corey Lewandowski had 'effectively used the department to boost a potential 2028 bid', suggesting internal political calculations played a role in her removal.
Mullin transition timing
Le Figaro and l'Opinion give a firm March 31 effective date for Mullin's takeover. Le Figaro states Mullin "takes office March 31."
“President Donald Trump has fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, announcing on Truth Social that she will be replaced by pro-Trump Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, who takes office March 31.”
l'Opinion says he is the replacement "effective March 31." WHYY emphasizes the legal confirmation process and notes that "Mullin will require Senate confirmation but, under federal vacancy law, may serve as acting DHS secretary while his nomination is pending."