Yes, President Donald Trump announced on March 5, 2026, that he is replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. She will leave the post effective March 31, 2026, and move to a new role as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas (Trump’s Western Hemisphere security initiative focused on narcotics trafficking).
Trump nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) to succeed her as the next DHS Secretary. The move requires Senate confirmation.
Trump’s Exact Announcement (via Truth Social)
“I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026. The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas… I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland.’”
Why Now? The Trigger and Backdrop
- Immediate cause: Noem’s contentious congressional testimony this week (Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3 and House Judiciary on March 4, 2026). Lawmakers grilled her over a $220 million non-competitive DHS ad campaign that prominently featured her (including scenes filmed on horseback at Mount Rushmore). She claimed Trump had pre-approved it; he later told reporters he “never knew anything about it.” Republicans (including Sen. John Kennedy) called it awkward and wasteful.
- Broader issues: Bipartisan criticism since January 2026 over federal agents’ fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens (Alex Pretti and Renee Good) in Minneapolis during immigration enforcement. Noem initially called the victims “domestic terrorists,” which drew backlash when bodycam and video evidence raised questions. Other problems included rising deaths in ICE detention, a partial DHS funding shutdown (now in its third week), staff turmoil, and influence of her adviser Corey Lewandowski.
Noem had faced repeated calls to resign or be impeached (from Democrats and some Republicans) for months, but Trump had publicly defended her as recently as late January, saying she was “doing a very good job.”
About the Key Players
- Kristi Noem (54): Former South Dakota Governor (first female governor). Sworn in as the 8th DHS Secretary on January 25, 2025. Oversaw Trump’s aggressive immigration policies, mass deportations, and border security efforts.
- Markwayne Mullin (incoming): Former House member (10 years), current Senator since 2023. Trump ally, Native American, former MMA fighter. Described by Trump as a “MAGA Warrior.”
Reactions So Far
- Democrats: Mixed — some welcomed the change and see it as a chance to negotiate an end to the DHS shutdown with policy reforms.
- Republicans: Mostly quiet or surprised; several had privately pushed for a change.
- Noem has not publicly commented yet.
This is a fast-moving story (announced just yesterday). Mullin’s confirmation process will begin soon. For the latest official updates, check:
- WhiteHouse.gov or Trump’s Truth Social
- DHS.gov (currently still lists Noem)
- Senate confirmation schedules
The move ends one of the more turbulent Cabinet tenures so far in Trump’s second term. Let me know if you want details on Mullin’s background, the ad campaign controversy, or the Minneapolis incidents.
