WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is reportedly considering removing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem from her post, fueled by frustration with her recent performance during congressional hearings. Multiple sources familiar with the discussions indicate the president has voiced his displeasure to Republican lawmakers, exploring potential replacements for the former South Dakota governor.
The potential shakeup comes as Noem faces scrutiny over her handling of border security, immigration policies, and a recently approved $220 million advertising campaign aimed at encouraging self-deportation among undocumented immigrants. The situation is further complicated by an ongoing impasse in Congress over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which led to a partial shutdown affecting critical agencies like TSA and FEMA on February 13th.
According to sources speaking with NBC News, Trump has been actively soliciting input from Capitol Hill regarding Noem’s future. Potential successors discussed by White House officials include Republican Senators Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma and Steve Daines of Montana, though no final decision has been made. The move would mark the first departure of a Cabinet secretary during Trump’s second term.
The president’s anger reportedly stems from Noem’s testimony before House and Senate committees this week, particularly her responses regarding the ad campaign contracts. Senator John Kennedy, R-La., described Trump as “pissed,” adding that the president’s recollection of events differed from Noem’s account. “The president of the United States called me, and I’m not going to speak for him, folks, but, I would set it this way: his recollection and her recollection are different,” Kennedy told reporters.
Concerns Over Ad Campaign and Contract Process
The $220 million ad campaign, intended to discourage illegal immigration, has drawn criticism for its cost and the limited competitive bidding process used to award the contracts. A White House official stated the president did not approve the campaign. Noem reportedly told Kennedy during questioning that Trump was aware of her decision to approve the contracts, a claim that reportedly did not sit well with the president.
DHS Funding Impasse Adds Pressure
The current partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Negotiations between Democrats and the White House over changes to immigration enforcement are ongoing in an attempt to secure funding and fully reopen the agency. Some Democrats, like Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, suggest Noem’s removal could facilitate those negotiations. “Kristi Noem’s resistance to common-sense reforms in ICE, her implacable opposition to lawfulness, ought to get her fired. And then it might be easier for us to negotiate,” Blumenthal said.
Senator Tim Kaine, D-Va., indicated that the outcome of negotiations would depend on Noem’s replacement, stating, “If she were to be let go, and the administration were to put up somebody who folks felt was competent, yes, that could affect the dynamic.”
Potential Replacements and Ongoing Evaluation
In addition to Mullin and Daines, former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz, a current Fox News contributor, has reportedly expressed interest in the position and has discussed the possibility with the president. However, sources emphasize that Noem’s ouster is not yet certain. Trump has reportedly been evaluating Noem’s performance for nearly a year, with this week’s hearings proving to be a tipping point.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated, “Secretary Noem serves at the pleasure of the President. She is honored to serve the American people and lead DHS. Under her leadership, we have the most secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens left the United States, and we now have the lowest murder rate in 125 years.” However, this claim regarding the lowest murder rate in 125 years requires further independent verification.
Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., offered a cautious assessment, stating, “Time will tell” when asked about a potential replacement and adding, “stay tuned” when questioned about his confidence in Noem.
The situation remains fluid, and the coming days will likely determine whether President Trump moves forward with a change in leadership at the Department of Homeland Security. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for the administration’s immigration policies and the ongoing efforts to secure the border.
What remains to be seen is whether the ongoing funding dispute will be resolved and how any potential leadership change at DHS will impact those negotiations. The coming weeks will be critical as the administration navigates these challenges.
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