United States President Donald Trump has removed Kristi Noem as head of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the agency responsible for implementing the administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
The decision was announced on Thursday, with Trump naming Markwayne Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, as her replacement.
According to the president, Mullin will assume the role on March 31, subject to confirmation by the United States Senate, where Republicans currently hold the majority.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Noem would instead serve as a special envoy for a new regional security initiative known as the “Shield of the Americas.”
The president commended Noem for her service, particularly in relation to border enforcement.
“Kristi has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results, especially on the border,” Trump wrote.
Trump described Mullin as a “MAGA warrior” who would lead the department effectively.
“Markwayne will work tirelessly to keep our border secure, stop migrant crime and illegal drugs, and make America safe again,” he said.
Reports indicate that Trump became frustrated following Noem’s testimony during a Senate hearing earlier in the week.
During the hearing, Noem told lawmakers that the president had approved a $220 million DHS advertising campaign aimed at discouraging undocumented migrants from entering the United States.
The campaign featured Noem prominently in televised messages urging migrants to self-deport.
The revelation triggered criticism from several senators.
Democratic Senator Dick Durbin strongly criticised Noem’s leadership during the hearing.
“Under your leadership, the Homeland Security Department has been devoid of any moral compass or respect for the rule of law,” Durbin said.
Durbin and other Democrats also pressed Noem to apologise for the deaths of two Americans shot by federal agents in Minnesota during protests linked to the administration’s immigration crackdown.
The victims had previously been described by officials as “domestic terrorists,” a characterisation that drew bipartisan concern.
Some Republican lawmakers also expressed dissatisfaction with Noem’s tenure.
Senator Thom Tillis criticised the department’s performance.
“What we’ve seen is a disaster under your leadership. Innocent people are getting detained who later turn out to be American citizens,” Tillis said.
Similarly, Senator John Kennedy questioned the effectiveness of the expensive advertising campaign.
When Noem insisted the campaign had been successful, Kennedy responded sharply: “They were effective in your name recognition.”
Noem’s removal also comes amid a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
Democrats have opposed additional funding for DHS until changes are made to the operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Among the reforms demanded are restrictions on ICE patrol operations, a ban on agents wearing face masks during enforcement activities, and a requirement that agents obtain judicial warrants before entering private property.