In a significant shakeup, President Donald Trump has dismissed Kristi Noem from her role as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announcing that Senator Markwayne Mullin will step into the position. This marks the first cabinet-level termination during Trump’s second term. The decision followed a revelation where Noem, under oath, informed Senator John Kennedy that she had received Trump’s approval for a $220 million taxpayer-funded campaign aimed at elevating her national profile. This statement, made during a congressional hearing, reportedly blindsided the President.

In response to the surprising disclosure, Trump told Reuters, “I never knew anything about it,” expressing his surprise about Noem’s claim. Meanwhile, Noem has been embroiled in controversy due to allegations of an affair with her advisor, Corey Lewandowski, which both parties have denied. Following the incident, Trump swiftly named Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as the next nominee for the DHS Secretary role. On Truth Social, Trump expressed his confidence in Mullin, stating, “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 (DHS), effective March 31, 2026.”

Trump also highlighted Noem’s achievements, particularly her efforts on border security, while announcing her new role as the Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a new security initiative in the Western Hemisphere set to be unveiled in Doral, Florida. “I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland,’” Trump remarked. He praised Mullin for his Native American heritage, asserting that the Senator would be a “spectacular” DHS Secretary. The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from within the DHS and ICE, with sources reporting a positive reception to Noem’s departure. One source described the atmosphere at DHS headquarters as jubilant, with “everyone is happy, lots of smiles.”

‘Morale had taken a hit. There’s a feeling among a lot of folks here that the department can finally reset and refocus on operations instead of internal turmoil.’ There’s also an expectation that Corey Lewandowski will follow her out the door. ‘He will go because he knows Mullin will toss him.’ It is unclear if the advisor will depart DHS along with the secretary. Another DHS insider said Trump had been preparing to fire her for days, but that her performance Tuesday ‘gave him cover’ to do so immediately. Meanwhile, an ICE official at the department’s headquarters told Daily Mail, ‘Crowds are celebrating. Lots of phone calls. Texts. People stopping by to celebrate.’ A Senate panel grilled Noem about the ad campaign and the process through which the money was allocated for it.

Noem told lawmakers on Tuesday that there was ‘a competitive process’ to award the contract for the campaign and that it was ‘all done correctly, all done legally.’ One of the ads cut from the $220 million project showed Noem wearing a cowboy hat, riding a horse in front of Mt. Rushmore. Sources close to the president told NBC News on Thursday that Trump was considering firing Noem. Should Trump replace her, Senator Markwayne Mullin may be selected to replace her, the National Review reported the same day. Pressed on Thursday whether he is under consideration to lead DHS, Mullin dodged the question.

‘Listen, I haven’t talked to the President all week, so I couldn’t even help you with that answer,’ he said. When asked if he is interested in the job, Mullin again shot down the inquiry. ‘I’m actually absolutely not dealing with hypotheticals,’ he shot back. Hours after his remarks, Trump announced Mullin would replace Noem. The ad campaign and the alleged affair are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Noem’s controversies. The DHS Secretary caught flak earlier this year when her agents shot and killed two Americans – Renee Good and Alex Pretti – during immigration operations in Minnesota.