🚨Trump Moves to Replace DHS Chief Kristi Noem, Taps Sen. Markwayne Mullin for Homeland Security Post

President shifts Noem to Western Hemisphere security envoy role as internal frustrations over DHS leadership grow inside the administration.

WASHINGTON | President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he intends to nominate Markwayne Mullin to serve as the next Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security, replacing current department chief Kristi Noem, who will transition to a new diplomatic security role focused on the Western Hemisphere.

The announcement, made on Trump’s Truth Social platform, signals a significant leadership shakeup at the federal agency responsible for border security, immigration enforcement, and domestic counterterrorism operations.

Trump said Noem would take on a new assignment as special envoy for a regional security initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation with Latin American partners.

“Kristi has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results — especially on the Border,” Trump wrote. “She will now lead our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere.”

The president said further details about the initiative will be unveiled during a summit with Latin American leaders scheduled for Saturday in Florida.

Mullin Emerges as Trump’s Choice

If confirmed by the Senate, Mullin — a close political ally of the president — would take over leadership of the sprawling Homeland Security Department, which oversees agencies including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Transportation Security Administration.

“The president and I are good friends,” Mullin told reporters shortly after the announcement. “We look forward to working more closely with the White House. Obviously, I’m going to be over there a lot more.”

Trump’s statement suggested he would like Mullin installed as secretary by March 31, though Senate confirmation timelines remain uncertain.

Growing Internal Frustrations

The leadership change comes amid mounting frustration inside the administration regarding Noem’s management of the department, according to multiple Republican sources familiar with internal discussions.

Senior administration officials and White House allies had urged Trump in recent days to consider replacing the DHS secretary following months of tension over policy decisions, internal management, and public controversies surrounding the agency.

A key flashpoint emerged during Noem’s testimony earlier this week before the United States Senate Judiciary Committee, where lawmakers questioned her about a controversial advertising campaign promoting border enforcement policies.

During the hearing, Noem said the president had approved a $220 million communications campaign featuring her prominently. White House officials privately disputed that claim.

“POTUS did not sign off on a $220 million ad campaign,” a White House official said.

Policy Disputes and Political Fallout

The department has also faced scrutiny following the deaths of two U.S. citizens during a federal enforcement operation in Minneapolis earlier this year, which triggered criticism from both political parties and raised questions about DHS leadership.

Republican lawmakers also expressed concern about the department’s response to the incident and its communication strategy in the aftermath.

Meanwhile, internal tensions reportedly extended to Noem’s relationship with longtime Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski, who has played an influential advisory role within DHS.

Administration officials have privately questioned Lewandowski’s involvement in major agency decisions, including contract approvals and operational strategy.

Border Politics Remain Central

The leadership change underscores the central role that immigration and border policy continue to play in Trump’s administration.

Homeland Security remains one of the largest federal departments, employing more than 260,000 personnel across numerous agencies responsible for immigration enforcement, transportation security, cybersecurity, and disaster response.

Trump’s selection of Mullin — a vocal supporter of tougher immigration enforcement — signals that the administration intends to double down on its border and security agenda.

What Comes Next

The White House is expected to formally submit Mullin’s nomination to the Senate in the coming days.

If confirmed, he would take command of one of the most complex departments in the federal government at a moment when border security, immigration enforcement, and domestic security policy remain among the most politically charged issues in Washington.

Meanwhile, Noem’s new envoy role suggests the administration intends to expand diplomatic and security coordination with countries across the Western Hemisphere — a move officials say could play a key role in addressing migration pressures and transnational crime.

#Politics, #HomelandSecurity,

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-- By Frank Atkinson

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