Trump Fires Back At GOP ‘Losers’ Demanding Noem’s Removal
President Donald Trump lashed out Wednesday at Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Thom Tillis, calling them “losers” for joining Democrats in calling for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The senators have criticized the administration’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, which recently resulted in the fatal shooting of leftist protester Alex Pretti.
“Well, they’re both losers. You know, what can I tell you? They’re terrible senators. One is gone and the other should be gone,” Trump told ABC News, noting that Tillis previously announced he wouldn’t seek re-election. “So you know, he lost his voice once he did that.”
Trump defended Noem and praised his administration’s border enforcement record, saying, “We went from the weakest border in the world to one of the strongest borders in the world.” When asked directly whether Noem would step down, Trump gave a firm “no” and reiterated that she has his full support.
Murkowski told MS NOW that the Department of Homeland Security would be “better served with new leadership,” though she admitted the decision ultimately rests with the president. Tillis has made similar remarks. Both senators have previously broken with Trump on other issues.
On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security responded to Democrat calls for Noem’s firing, especially from Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman. “DHS enforces the laws Congress passes, period,” a spokesperson said. “If certain members don’t like those laws, changing them is literally their job.”
The renewed political firestorm arrives as lawmakers scramble to avert a government shutdown. Senate Democrats have floated splitting DHS funding from the broader package, a move Republicans view as a nonstarter. Even if the Senate reaches an agreement, the House is out of session, making a Friday shutdown increasingly likely.
Noem has been at the center of escalating tensions following Pretti’s death. The White House deployed border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to coordinate with Democratic officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey. The administration’s goal, according to Trump, is to “finish the job” in Minneapolis but do so in a more “de-escalated form.”
Despite efforts to calm the situation, Trump took to Truth Social to warn Frey that he is “PLAYING WITH FIRE.” Frey fired back on X, insisting that Minneapolis police “keep people safe, not enforce fed immigration laws.”
Operation Metro Surge has so far resulted in thousands of arrests, with ICE targeting not only those in the country illegally but also individuals wanted for other crimes. Still, the political fallout continues to deepen divisions even within the GOP.