Donald Trump replaces Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, effective March 31. She will be replaced by Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, pending Senate confirmation, and will transition to the role of special envoy for the “Shield of the Americas” initiative. Noem’s tenure faced intense bipartisan criticism following the deaths of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in Minneapolis, whom she had labeled domestic terrorists. Additional controversy surrounded a $220 million advertising campaign and allegations regarding an undisclosed personal relationship with senior adviser Corey Lewandowski, which became a focal point during her recent congressional hearings. While Noem defended her record on immigration enforcement, critics from both parties described her management as problematic. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called her tenure a disaster, and Democrats had previously moved to impeach her. The leadership change occurs amid pressure for broader reform within the Department of Homeland Security.