WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kristi Noem was removed from her position as head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. President Donald Trump announced on March 5, 2026 that he had fired Noem following mounting criticism of her leadership and a series of contentious hearings in Congress.
The decision came shortly after Noem faced intense questioning from both Republicans and Democrats during oversight hearings on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers pressed her on several issues including the administration’s immigration crackdown and the department’s handling of national security and disaster response programs.
Replacement Announcement
At the same time the firing was announced, Trump said he would nominate Markwayne Mullin to replace Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, would need Senate confirmation before officially taking over the role.
The Department of Homeland Security oversees a vast network of federal agencies including Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Secret Service, and the Transportation Security Administration. The secretary of DHS is responsible for border security, counterterrorism, disaster response, and cybersecurity across the United States.
Why Noem Was Removed
Reports indicate that Noem’s dismissal followed growing pressure from lawmakers and criticism over how the department was managed. Congressional hearings raised concerns about immigration enforcement operations and the department’s response to several controversial incidents.
Her leadership had also drawn scrutiny from some Republicans as well as Democrats, signaling a loss of support that ultimately contributed to the decision to replace her.
What Happens Next
Despite being removed from the cabinet position, Trump said Noem would continue working with the administration in a new role. He announced plans to appoint her as a “Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas,” an initiative focused on regional security cooperation across the Western Hemisphere.
The sudden leadership change at DHS comes during a period of heightened national security concerns, including immigration enforcement debates, counterterrorism responsibilities, and the broader geopolitical tensions affecting the United States and its allies.
Noem, a former governor of South Dakota and a prominent political ally of Trump, had been one of the most visible figures in the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy before her removal from the cabinet post.
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By S. Burke, Staff Reporter contributed to this report.
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