Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was expelled by President Donald Trump on March 5, 2026. She was his first cabinet secretary to be fired, or ousted, during his second term. She will be taking over a new role as “Envoy for The Shield of the Americas.” This means she will lead Trump’s new security initiative in the Western Hemisphere.
Trump’s administration has yet to release a definitive statement explaining Noem’s absence, but there is speculation as to why it happened.
Reports explain Trump was frustrated with her words regarding a $220 million ad campaign of Noem on a horse in front of Mount Rushmore, completely funded by taxpayer dollars. The Judiciary Committee conducted a hearing on March 4, 2026, that included Noem’s final moments as DHS Secretary.
Democratic Representative from Colorado Joe Neguse questioned Noem about the allegations of fraud, corruption, and conflicts of interest surrounding the ad campaign. Neguse stated, “It is fraud, and ultimately, I think there’s going to be accountability.”
On MS NOW, Neguse voiced his utter disapproval for Noems authorization for the use of taxpayer dollars for the campaign. “In this instance, you have the Secretary and senior officials at DHS treating taxpayer money as though it is their own. I think the people of our country should be offended at the way in which they are grifting and ultimately committing fraud with taxpayer dollars.” Neguse denounced.
Markwayne Mullin, a Republican Senator from Oklahoma, will replace Noem. Trump wrote on Truth Social, “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.”
Mullin has been in Congress for 13 years. He was a Representative from 2013 to 2022 and an Oklahoma Senator since 2022. Interestingly, he was a former undefeated professional MMA fighter and successful businessman and owner. As the new DHS Secretary, Mullin will focus on tightening border security, combating drug trafficking, and stopping migrant crime, which has become a recent, significant subject of discourse.
According to NBC News, Mullin left a senator’s lunch on March 5 due to an unexpected phone call from the White House switchboard. He was seen leaving the lunch on the phone, covering his mouth, appearing to shield the conversation from reporters to avoid news getting out.
Most importantly, Noem’s termination will likely affect the 2026 midterm elections. According to Vox.com, this is anticipated to shape or even solidify officials’ opinions on immigration, government funding, and the Trump administration’s “culture of fear” within federal agencies.
From one perspective, Trump’s decision to adjust Noem to a different position can show his disapproval towards her widely unpopular statements and overall performance while DHS Secretary. Recent polls show that most Americans think it was best for Noem to be ousted.
On the other hand, many Democrats have already solidified their opinion on current issues, whether approval or disapproval. Polls show most Democrats are against the majority of Trump’s policies. They show that these Democrats want to cut DHS funding to Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) unless it is reformed to a form that the democratic officials can agree on or support.