Trump cuts his losses on Noem after controversial tenure at homeland security
Trump cuts his losses on Noem after controversial tenure at homeland security
In the Trump administration, it’s clear that no one can eclipse the leader. Kristi Noem’s recent dismissal highlighted this principle, as the president opted to replace her as the head of the immigration crackdown with Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin. The transition will occur by the end of the month, and the US Senate will need to confirm Mullin’s appointment. Meanwhile, Noem will shift to a new post as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas initiative, a regional security program in the Western hemisphere.
Noem’s time at the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the president’s immigration agenda, was marked by both praise and criticism. She initially gained attention for her hands-on approach to enforcement, often appearing in bulletproof gear during raids. This bold style, however, drew controversy, particularly when she wore a $50,000 Rolex during a visit to El Salvador’s Cecot prison. The item became a symbol of her perceived extravagance, earning her the nickname “ICE Barbie” from critics.
“I thank Kristi for her service at Homeland Security,” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. His words signal the end of Noem’s tenure, which was characterized by polarizing actions, including her participation in a DHS ad campaign featuring her on horseback. The campaign, which cost millions, targeted undocumented immigrants, sparking backlash from Democrats who criticized the spending.
Despite her public image as a hardline enforcer, Noem faced scrutiny for her handling of the Minneapolis immigration crackdown. In January, federal agents shot two US citizens, leading to a major public outcry. Trump responded by sending Tom Homan, his border tsar, to lead the operation, a move seen as a rebuke to Noem, who had been central to the aggressive enforcement strategy.
Noem’s comments following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis further fueled criticism. She claimed Pretti had committed “an act of domestic terrorism” without evidence, a statement that drew sharp rebukes. The administration’s response to the incident marked a rare moment of moderation for Trump, revealing his awareness of the growing public unease with Noem’s approach.
Trump’s decision to remove Noem came after weeks of tension. The president had an acrimonious conversation with Corey Lewandowski, her senior adviser, following her congressional testimony. Lewandowski is also leaving the department. Some Republicans, like South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, immediately endorsed Trump’s move, calling it “time for a change.”
Noem defended the ad campaign in a Capitol Hill hearing, asserting Trump was aware of the $220m spent on the initiative and nearly $200m allocated for two luxury jets. However, Trump publicly contradicted her, telling Reuters he had no knowledge of the costly efforts. This inconsistency underscores the political challenges of her role and the president’s growing impatience with her methods.
