Trump Replaces Kristi Noem As Homeland Security Secretary
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he is replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and appointing Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to lead the Department of Homeland Security.
Trump revealed the move in a post on Truth Social, saying Mullin will take over the role beginning March 31, 2026.
“I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security,” Trump wrote.
While removing Noem from the position, Trump said she would remain part of the administration by taking on a new role connected to a regional security initiative.
“The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results, especially on the Border, will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas,” Trump said, referencing a new Western Hemisphere security initiative the administration plans to unveil in Doral, Florida.
Noem had faced intense scrutiny earlier this week during congressional hearings where both Republicans and Democrats questioned her leadership and decisions at the department.
During a Senate hearing Tuesday, Noem addressed controversy surrounding more than $200 million in contracts related to deportation advertising campaigns. She told lawmakers the contracts were awarded through a competitive bidding process and selected by career officials within the department.
Trump later told Reuters that he had no knowledge of the contracts before the issue surfaced publicly.
Within hours of those remarks, Trump announced Mullin’s nomination to lead the United States Department of Homeland Security.
Mullin previously served 10 years in the U.S. House of Representatives before winning election to the Senate. Trump praised the Oklahoma lawmaker as a loyal ally and a strong supporter of his administration’s policies.
“A MAGA Warrior and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people and knows the wisdom and courage required to advance our America First agenda,” Trump wrote.
Trump also highlighted Mullin’s background as the only Native American currently serving in the Senate and said he would be a strong advocate for tribal communities.
According to Trump, Mullin’s priorities as DHS secretary will include strengthening border security, combating illegal immigration, and tackling the flow of drugs into the United States.
“Markwayne will work tirelessly to keep our border secure, stop migrant crime and other criminals from illegally entering our country, end the scourge of illegal drugs, and make America safe again,” Trump said.