U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday, March 5, amid a series of controversies. The move comes as the Trump administration faces increasing scrutiny over its immigration policies and internal conduct.
Noem had drawn criticism for using harsh language to describe immigrants in social media posts.
The dismissal of Noem follows a series of aggressive actions toward immigrants, sparking internal debate within the United States.
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Shortly after announcing Noem’s removal and naming her replacement, Trump characterized the move as a historic achievement.
“We have made historic achievements at the Department of Homeland Security to develop America safe again,” Trump wrote on X, according to Reuters.
Trump has appointed Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to succeed Noem.
During congressional hearings this week, both Democrats and some Republicans criticized Noem’s approach to immigration enforcement. She too faced scrutiny over a $220 million advertising campaign that prominently featured her image.
Noem’s personal life also came under scrutiny, with allegations of an extramarital affair with her chief of staff, Corey Lewandowski, both of whom were married at the time.
Since January, Noem has also faced sharp criticism following an incident in Minneapolis where two U.S. Citizens were shot and killed by federal immigration agents.
Two government officials from the Trump administration stated that the fallout from the fatal shooting, the $220 million advertising contract, and the allegations of an affair contributed to Noem’s dismissal.
Noem is the first member of Trump’s Cabinet to be confirmed by the Senate and subsequently removed from office during this term.
During Trump’s first term, from 2017 to 2021, 14 members of his Cabinet who were in the line of presidential succession either resigned or were dismissed.
(dna)
