Trump Announces Kristi Noem to Step Down as Homeland Security Secretary
President Donald Trump announced that Kristi Noem will step down as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security at the end of March, with Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, appointed to replace her effective March 31.
Trump posted on Truth Social that Mullin will begin work as Homeland Security secretary. He thanked Noem for her service and said she will take on a new role as "Envoy of the American Hemisphere Shield," leading a new security initiative in the Western Hemisphere. Trump reportedly discussed the change with Noem on Thursday evening, according to U.S. media.
This marks the first cabinet resignation in Trump's second term. Noem's position faced challenges recently, including a deadly shooting by federal agents of two U.S. citizens during an immigration operation in Minneapolis, tensions with the U.S. Coast Guard, and her statements to lawmakers.
Lawmakers questioned Noem in Senate Judiciary Committee hearings about a $200 million ad campaign urging undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily. The department has spent about $80 million on the ads since early 2025. Noem said Trump approved the multi-million-dollar campaign, but a White House official told NBC News that "the U.S. president did not sign the $220 million advertising campaign."
Noem drew criticism for calling the two killed citizens "domestic terrorists" and refusing to apologize. Some Republican senators, including Tom Tillis and Lisa Murkowski, called for her resignation in January.
Mullin, a former House member for a decade, joined the Senate in a 2023 special election. He confirmed speaking with Trump "recently" but declined further comment Thursday. Noem previously served as South Dakota governor, leading strict immigration enforcement including deportations and border restrictions.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
More in International
US National Counterterrorism Center Director Resigns Over War with Iran
US Authorities Arrest Afghan National Basir Ahmad Safi on Child Abuse Charges
Missiles and Drones Target US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi Security Sources Say
UN Secretary-General Guterres Urges Action Against Rising Islamophobia
ReliableUS National Counterterrorism Center Director Resigns Over War with Iran
Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigned over opposition to the war with Iran, stating it poses no imminent US threat and stems from Israeli pressure. The move underscores growing criticism of the conflict amid escalating tensions.
ReliableUS Authorities Arrest Afghan National Basir Ahmad Safi on Child Abuse Charges
US authorities arrested Afghan national Basir Ahmad Safi, who entered the country in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, on child abuse charges following a prior conviction in Florida. He is now in ICE custody awaiting deportation, amid ongoing concerns over vetting in the resettlement program.
DevelopingMissiles and Drones Target US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi Security Sources Say
Missiles and drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday, with Iraqi security sources saying two were intercepted and one struck the compound, causing smoke and fire. The attack, likely by Iran-backed groups, occurs amid rising regional tensions linked to Iran, the US and Israel.
ReliableUN Secretary-General Guterres Urges Action Against Rising Islamophobia
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the international community to combat rising Islamophobia on the International Day to Combat Anti-Muslim Hatred, rejecting fear narratives and calling for unity to eliminate hatred against Muslims. He highlighted increasing hate crimes amplified by online platforms and political debates, warning of threats to social cohesion.