Trump cuts his losses on Noem after controversial tenure at homeland security

Trump Shakes Up Immigration Team Amid Controversy Over Noem’s Leadership

President Donald Trump’s tendency to prioritize his own visibility over subordinate leaders has once again come to light as he dismissed Kristi Noem from her role as Homeland Security secretary. The decision, announced on Thursday, marks the end of Noem’s contentious time in charge of the department, which oversees the administration’s immigration enforcement policies. She will be replaced by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, whose Senate confirmation is still pending. Trump highlighted Noem’s transition to a new position as special envoy for a Western hemisphere security initiative dubbed the “Shield of the Americas.”

Noem, a rising star in the Trump administration, took the helm of the department in 2021 after the president’s return to the White House. Her involvement in aggressive immigration raids quickly drew attention, with her often seen in a bulletproof vest during enforcement actions. She became a vocal champion of Trump’s deportation efforts, promoting policies that effectively sealed the US-Mexico border. Her international outreach included a visit to El Salvador’s Cecot prison, where she interacted with migrants deported from the United States.

However, Noem’s bold methods sparked debate. Unlike typical Homeland Security secretaries, she actively participated in field operations, a move critics argued was designed to enhance her image as a tough immigration enforcer. The controversy escalated when she wore a $50,000 Rolex during her visit to Cecot, drawing sharp criticism. She also appeared in a DHS ad campaign on horseback, a gesture that led some opponents to label her “ICE Barbie.”

Noem’s tenure also faced scrutiny over financial decisions. A recent ad campaign featuring her cost $220 million, while her official travel expenses reached nearly $200 million, covering two luxury jets. She defended these choices in a Capitol Hill hearing, asserting Trump was aware of the spending. Yet the president publicly denied knowledge of the costly campaign before firing her, stating, “I never knew anything about it,” according to Reuters.

Internal tensions within the administration grew as Trump clashed with Noem’s team. A tense phone call with Corey Lewandowski, her senior adviser, occurred after his testimony to Congress, as reported by the BBC’s US news partner CBS. Lewandowski is now departing the department, signaling a shift in Trump’s approach. The president had previously sought input from Republicans in Congress about Noem’s removal, indicating his intent to restructure the immigration team.

Earlier this year, Noem’s leadership was tested by public backlash following the Minneapolis immigration crackdown. Federal agents killed two US citizens, prompting Trump to send border tsar Tom Homan to lead the response. This move was seen as a rebuke to Noem, who might have been expected to handle the situation herself. Her comments after the incident, particularly the unverified claim that Alex Pretti had “committed an act of domestic terrorism,” further fueled criticism.

Despite her strong advocacy, Noem’s aggressive stance began to lose public favor. The Minneapolis incident marked a rare moment where Trump tempered his rhetoric, suggesting the White House recognized the growing unpopularity of her hardline approach. Polls reflect this shift, with many Americans expressing support for some aspects of Trump’s immigration policies but growing concern over the department’s methods under Noem’s watch.

“It was time for a change,” said South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, echoing sentiments from other Republicans. Congressman Dan Newhouse of Washington state added, “A change in leadership at the Department of Homeland Security was long overdue.”