President Trump announced today that Homeland Security Secretary Krist Noem would be stepping down from her post at the end of March. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R) Oklahoma was named as Noem’s successor. Secretary Noem’s departure marks the first secretary to leave their post during President Trump’s second term.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plays a key role in protecting the United States from our adversaries. The DHS includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Coast Guard, the Secret Service, the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Agency, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). DHS operates with 260,000 employees and an annual budget of $112 billion.
Secretary Noem had come under scrutiny for several immigration related matters, including failing to more promptly address operational concerns with Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, for the deluge of related court challenges against DHS, and for spending a reported $200 million on an advertising campaign encouraging illegal aliens to self deport. Secretary Noem had lost the confidence of many in Congress including some Republicans who were calling for her resignation.
Secretary Noem will reportedly be taking on a new role as Special Envoy for “The Shield of the Americas,” a new security initiative targeting threats in the Western Hemisphere.
President Trump’s willingness to make changes at DHS – Secretary Noem and earlier Border Patrol commander at large Greg Bovino – demonstrates leadership by holding key leaders accountable when avoidable controversies interfere with a successful mission.
Senator Mullin is an Oklahoma rancher of Cherokee decent who served in the U.S. House for ten years before being elected as a U.S. Senator in 2023. He is considered a strong supporter of President Trump’s agenda. His seat is expected to be filled by an appointment process by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (R).
“Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN.”
President Donald Trump via Truth Social
