KEY POINTS
- $220M DHS ad campaign sparks controversy over effectiveness.
- Noem transitions to Special Envoy for “Shield of Americas.”
- ICE reforms include warrants, mask bans, and patrol reductions.
- DHS faces partial shutdown due to funding disagreements.
- Leadership changes highlight tension between policy, publicity, and administration goals.
WASHINGTON: In a major administrative shake-up, US President Donald Trump has dismissed Kristi Noem from her position as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The announcement, made via Truth Social on Thursday, comes as the administration continues a massive overhaul of U.S. immigration enforcement.
Trump confirmed that Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Republican representing Oklahoma, will assume leadership of the department on March 31, 2026.
$220M Ad controversy
The President’s decision follows reports of his dissatisfaction with Noem’s performance during a recent Senate hearing.
During her testimony, Noem stated that Trump had personally authorised a $220 million DHS television advertising initiative.
BREAKING:@KristiNoem has just been FIRED as DHS Secretary. President Trump made the announcement in a post on Truth Social. This comes following her Congressional testimony this week in which she said President Trump signed off on a $200 million ad contract which he never… pic.twitter.com/s6wPiknWYS
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) March 5, 2026
The campaign, which prominently featured Noem, was designed to encourage undocumented immigrants to leave the country voluntarily.
However, the President was reportedly angered by the claim of his direct involvement in the high-cost project, which critics suggested served more to raise Noem’s public profile than to enforce policy.
During the hearing, Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) pointedly remarked that while the ads may not have been effective for their stated purpose, they were certainly effective for Noem’s “name recognition.”
“The Shield of the Americas”
Despite her removal from DHS, Noem will remain in the administration.
Trump announced she will transition to a new role as a Special Envoy for a security programme dubbed “The Shield of the Americas,” a new initiative focused on the Western Hemisphere.
Trump praised Noem’s work at the border, stating she “served us well” and achieved “spectacular results.” Turning to her successor, the President described Senator Mullin as a “MAGA Warrior” who would be a “spectacular Secretary.”
According to Trump, Mullin’s mandate will focus on:
- Securing the national borders.
- Stopping “migrant crime” and the entry of criminals.
- Ending the influx of illegal narcotics.
A tenure under fire
Noem’s departure comes after a period of intense bipartisan criticism regarding her management of the DHS and its sub-agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Human Rights Concerns: Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) accused the department under Noem of lacking a “moral compass,” specifically citing the deaths of two Americans shot by federal agents in Minnesota during immigration-related protests.
Administrative Friction: Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) called her leadership a “disaster,” highlighting reports of US citizens being wrongfully detained.
FEMA Backlog: Noem faced backlash for a policy requiring her personal sign-off on any agency spending over $100,000, which critics say stalled disaster relief and emergency responses to various states.
Partial DHS shutdown
The leadership change occurs amidst a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Congressional Democrats have refused to approve new funding for the agency unless major operational changes are made to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The proposed reforms include a requirement for judicial warrants before entering private property, a ban on agents wearing face masks, and a reduction in patrol activities.
Senator Mullin’s appointment must now be confirmed by the Senate, where Republicans currently hold the majority.
