Trump: Noem Doing ‘Very Good Job,’ Won’t Step Down as Homeland Security Chief/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump says he will not ask Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to step down despite controversy over recent federal agent‑involved shootings in Minneapolis that have killed U.S. citizens. Noem faces bipartisan criticism, calls for resignation or impeachment, and legal challenges amid protests and tensions over immigration enforcement. Trump insists Noem is doing a “very good job,” highlighting her role in border policy as the administration navigates mounting political pressure.
Trump, Noem and DHS Leadership — Quick Looks
- Trump’s Position: President Trump confirmed he will not ask Secretary Kristi Noem to step down and says she’s doing a “very good job” overseeing Homeland Security.
- Minnesota Backlash: The statements come amid two recent fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, including the death of ICU nurse Alex Pretti.
- Political Pressure: Lawmakers — including Democrats and some Republicans — are calling for investigations, oversight, and in some cases the removal or impeachment of Noem.
- Federal‑State Tensions: Minnesota officials and civil rights advocates have sharply criticized DHS tactics and response, calling for transparency and accountability.
- Administration Defense: The White House defends immigration enforcement actions and emphasizes removing violent offenders, even as video evidence challenges official narratives.
Deep Look — Trump: Noem Doing ‘Very Good Job,’ Won’t Step Down as Homeland Security Chief
President Donald Trump affirmed on Tuesday that he has no intention of asking Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign, saying he believes she is doing a “very good job” leading the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — even as her tenure faces intense scrutiny amid rising controversy over federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
Trump made the remarks during an informal press exchange outside the White House, directly dismissing suggestions that Noem might step down. When asked whether she would resign, the president responded simply, “No.” He reiterated his confidence in her leadership, particularly citing her role in implementing tough border enforcement policies that have been a centerpiece of his administration’s agenda.
The president’s defense of Noem comes as she confronts widespread criticism following a string of controversial encounters involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. This month, the city has seen escalating tensions after federal agents fatally shot at least two U.S. citizens during operations connected to a broader immigration crackdown, sparking protests, legal challenges, and deep political divisions.
Critics — including Democratic lawmakers, state officials, and civil liberties groups — argue that the administration’s approach in deploying large contingents of federal officers has contributed to chaotic conditions and undermined trust in government. Some politicians have called for greater oversight, independent investigations, or even the removal or impeachment of Noem due to her handling of the situations and her frequent public defense of the agents involved.
In contrast, the Trump administration has doubled down on its immigration enforcement strategy, emphasizing the need to remove “violent criminal illegal aliens” and blaming local sanctuary policies for hampering efforts. White House officials maintain that federal agents acted in self‑defense and have highlighted the administration’s commitment to law and order, even as bystander video evidence and independent testimony have raised questions about the official accounts.
The political stakes remain high. Minnesota leaders and civil rights advocates have launched legal actions demanding evidence preservation and broader accountability. Meanwhile, some Republicans have diverged from the president’s messaging, pushing for deeper investigation into the shootings and clearer transparency on DHS operations.
Despite the pressure, Trump’s reaffirmation of Noem’s position signals that the administration intends to maintain its current leadership and enforcement strategy, underscoring an ongoing battlelines debate over immigration, civil rights, and federal‑state relations as the nation continues to grapple with the fallout.
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