Kristi Noem, once a close ally of Donald Trump and a central figure in his immigration agenda, was removed as U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security after a series of controversies that strained her relationship with the president and lawmakers.
Trump announced her dismissal in early March 2026, naming Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as her replacement. The decision followed months of mounting criticism over Noem’s leadership of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including disputes over immigration enforcement, disaster response, and internal management of the agency.
One major issue involved a $220 million government advertising campaign promoting border security that prominently featured Noem herself. Reports said Trump was angered after she suggested he approved the campaign—something he publicly disputed.
Her tenure was also overshadowed by questions about her relationship with longtime Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski, who held an informal but influential role inside DHS. During a congressional hearing, Noem refused to directly deny allegations of a romantic relationship with Lewandowski, which sources described as the “final straw” for Trump.
In addition, lawmakers raised concerns about DHS spending and possible misleading statements to Congress about Lewandowski’s role in approving contracts. Some senators even called for a potential perjury investigation related to those claims.
The controversies came alongside broader criticism of DHS policies, including aggressive immigration enforcement and disputes over disaster management funding. The growing political pressure from both Republicans and Democrats contributed to Trump’s decision to remove her from the role.
Despite being fired, Trump reassigned Noem to a new diplomatic position focused on Western Hemisphere security initiatives, signaling that she remains politically connected to the administration even after her turbulent exit.
