Trump Fires DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Announces Replacement

President Donald Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Thursday after she found herself at the center of multiple scandals.

“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 wrote in a Truth Social post Thursday

“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, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at ‘Homeland,’ he added.

It comes after a heated Senate hearing, in which Noem blamed Trump for approving questionable contracts worth over $200 million for deportation ads, which raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Trump himself told Reuters that he had no knowledge of the expensive contracts.

Noem testified that the contracts “went out to a competitive bid and career officials at the department chose who would do those advertising commercials.”

The contracts were awarded using “other than full and open competition,” according to records obtained by The Daily Wire.

“The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of Procurement Operations (OPO), on behalf of the Office of DHS Public Affairs office intends to limit competition to three contractors,” a justification for the decision said.

A competition waiver stated that the department used internet research and “industry publications” to identify Safe America Media LLC as the primary company capable of taking on the ad campaign. Safe America Media was only incorporated days before.

The Strategy Group said Tuesday it “has never had a contract with DHS,” adding that “We had a subcontract with Safe America for limited production services.”

“Safe America paid us $226,137.17 total for 5 film shoots, 45 produced video advertisements, and 6 produced radio advertisements,” the company said.

“If you’re going to try to question our integrity, bring actual evidence – we did,” the statement concluded.

Trump announced that Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin will replace Noem.

“Serving 10 years in the United States House of Representatives, and 3 in the Senate, Markwayne has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma, where I won all 77 out of 77 Counties — in 2016, 2020, and 2024! 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 said in his Truth Social post.

“As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities. Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN. Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Mullin called the announcement “humbling,” adding that “it happened quick.”

He said he learned of Trump’s decision “right before” the Truth Social post.