Trump Fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid growing criticism over immigration enforcement and disaster response. Trump nominated Markwayne Mullin to replace her as head of the Department of Homeland Security. Noem will instead serve as a special envoy overseeing a new regional security initiative called “The Shield of the Americas.”
Trump Fires Homeland Security Secretary Noem Quick Looks
- Donald Trump removed Kristi Noem from her Cabinet post.
- Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin nominated as replacement.
- Noem is the first Cabinet official to leave Trump’s second term.
- Decision follows intense congressional criticism over immigration enforcement.
- DHS faced backlash after two protesters were killed in Minneapolis during immigration operations.
- Lawmakers also criticized the agency’s spending and disaster response management.
- Noem will be reassigned as Special Envoy for “The Shield of the Americas.”
Trump Fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
President Donald Trump on Thursday fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following mounting criticism of her leadership over immigration enforcement operations and disaster response.
Trump announced the move on social media and said he will nominate Markwayne Mullin, a Republican lawmaker, to take over the Department of Homeland Security.
Mullin must be confirmed by the Senate but could serve as acting secretary while the nomination is pending.
First Cabinet Departure Of Trump’s Second Term
Noem becomes the first Cabinet member to leave the administration during Trump’s second term.
Her tenure at the Department of Homeland Security was marked by controversy over the administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown, which sparked protests and legal challenges across the country.
The situation intensified after immigration enforcement officers fatally shot two protesters in Minneapolis, an incident that drew criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans.
Congressional Criticism Intensified
Noem appeared before congressional committees earlier this week where lawmakers sharply questioned her about the department’s policies and management.
Critics challenged how the department handled immigration enforcement operations and how billions of dollars in congressional funding were spent.
Lawmakers also raised concerns about the federal government’s response to natural disasters and the pace of emergency funding distributed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
New Role For Noem
Despite her removal from the Cabinet, Trump said Noem will take on a new diplomatic assignment.
She will serve as a special envoy for “The Shield of the Americas,” a security initiative focused on strengthening cooperation across the Western Hemisphere.
The administration has said the effort will address regional threats including migration, organized crime and border security.
Next Steps For DHS Leadership
If confirmed, Mullin would lead one of the federal government’s largest agencies, responsible for border enforcement, disaster response, cybersecurity and counterterrorism.
The leadership change comes at a critical time for the department as the administration continues its sweeping immigration enforcement campaign and faces ongoing scrutiny from Congress.
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